Premier League referee David Coote is under investigation by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following leaked footage in which he reportedly made derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.
This incident, which unfolded on social media on Monday, shows the 42-year-old match official making highly critical remarks, raising concerns that may now also lead to disciplinary action by the Football Association (FA).
In the video clip, Coote is heard describing Liverpool’s recent performance as “s**t” and using an expletive to refer to Klopp. This footage surfaced just days after Coote officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, a game where Liverpool’s form and tactics were scrutinized. Coote’s remarks appeared to stem from a recent interaction he had with Klopp, though Liverpool FC has chosen not to comment publicly on the matter.
One of the more controversial parts of the clip includes Coote saying, “Milner’s alright. I get on with Milner… but my god, German c. F me.” This statement has led to growing concerns that Coote’s comments may cross a line into a possible “aggravated breach” of the FA’s conduct rules, which specifically prohibit references to “race, color, ethnic origin, or nationality” in derogatory remarks made by individuals under its jurisdiction. If proven accurate, this may result in substantial consequences for Coote beyond the PGMOL investigation.
The FA has a history of disciplining individuals for inappropriate comments or behavior that appear to single out specific nationalities or ethnic backgrounds. Comparisons have been made to the 2020 case of former Tottenham Hotspur player Dele Alli, who faced disciplinary action for a private Snapchat video in which he appeared to mock COVID-19 while also making a joke about an Asian individual. In Alli’s case, the FA imposed a one-match ban and a £50,000 fine, setting a precedent for how offensive behavior, even when circulated privately, can lead to serious penalties. Should Coote’s comments in the video be authenticated, he could face a similar set of consequences or potentially stricter measures due to his role as an official entrusted with impartiality.
While PGMOL continues its inquiry into the authenticity and context of the video, Coote’s career as a Premier League referee could hang in the balance. The implications of this investigation may be severe, with some in the football community arguing that, if the video is legitimate, Coote’s comments undermine the integrity required for a professional referee, and he should potentially be barred from officiating at this level.
For now, Coote awaits the outcome of the PGMOL’s probe, with a possible FA charge looming. The case underscores the seriousness with which governing bodies in football are addressing issues of conduct, especially in light of the impact that such incidents can have on the sport’s inclusivity and professionalism.
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