A recently surfaced video has brought Premier League referee David Coote into the spotlight, as he appears to make derogatory remarks about Liverpool Football Club and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The footage, which has quickly gone viral, shows Coote in a casual setting, conversing with an unidentified individual who seems to be recording him. During the conversation, Coote allegedly labels Liverpool’s ex-manager Klopp a “c**t” and describes his interactions with him as highly unpleasant.
In the clip, Coote doesn’t hold back on his feelings about Klopp. He recalls an incident during a game against Burnley that took place during the pandemic lockdown, where Klopp reportedly confronted him, accusing him of dishonesty and criticizing his performance as a referee. Coote goes on to describe Klopp as “arrogant,” and expresses that he avoids interacting with the German coach whenever possible. He adds some strongly-worded insults, including a xenophobic slur, as he discusses his dislike for the former Liverpool boss.
The conversation takes a further negative turn when the person filming Coote chimes in with similar insults, calling Klopp a “c**t” and expressing disdain for Liverpool fans. He describes Liverpool supporters and “Scousers” with offensive language, making it clear that he shares Coote’s strong dislike for the club and its fan base.
While the exact context and tone of the video remain uncertain—Coote may have been speaking in jest or exaggerating for the camera—the footage has nonetheless raised significant concerns. As a Premier League official, Coote is expected to maintain an image of impartiality, regardless of any personal feelings he may have about players, managers, or teams. The video is troubling, as it may cast doubt on his neutrality, especially for fans and officials associated with Liverpool.
David Coote has been a Premier League referee since 2018 and has handled a range of high-profile matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United. Up until now, he hasn’t faced any significant controversies regarding bias, and there’s no documented evidence that he has acted against Liverpool on the field. Nevertheless, this incident puts his credibility at risk, as the explicit language and derogatory comments toward Klopp and Liverpool could suggest a lack of professionalism.
The timing of the video is uncertain, though references to social distancing indicate it could have been recorded several years ago, likely during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a second clip, Coote appears to recognize the risk of such a video being publicized, urging that the footage must not be shared, which indicates his awareness of the potential consequences.
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has now opened an investigation into the matter. Football journalist Ben Jacobs recently reported that the organization is reviewing the footage to assess the situation and determine if disciplinary action is warranted.
Klopp himself has had his fair share of run-ins with referees over the years, as many managers do, but this video adds a particularly sharp angle to his history with Coote. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Coote’s future in refereeing Liverpool matches could be in question, and this incident may serve as a cautionary tale for officials about the importance of impartiality and professional decorum, both on and off the field.
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