David Coote: FA Charges Ex-PL Referee Over Klopp Comments
- David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) following the emergence of a video on social media.
- 11, 2024, after the video surfaced, revealing what were deemed derogatory remarks aimed at Klopp and Liverpool.
- The FA's charge against Coote cites rule E3.1,alleging improper conduct and the use of abusive or insulting language.
Ex-Referee Coote Charged Over Klopp Comments
Updated June 17, 2025
David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) following the emergence of a video on social media. The video contained comments made by Coote about Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager.
Coote, 42, was initially suspended Nov. 11, 2024, after the video surfaced, revealing what were deemed derogatory remarks aimed at Klopp and Liverpool. A subsequent “thorough investigation” by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the Premier League referees’ body, led to Coote’s dismissal in December 2024.
The FA’s charge against Coote cites rule E3.1,alleging improper conduct and the use of abusive or insulting language. The FA also noted that the video’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an “aggravated” breach of regulations. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a professional role and avoiding offensive language.
However, Coote has been cleared regarding separate allegations of gambling misconduct. These claims centered on accusations that Coote had discussed potentially issuing a yellow card to a player before a match.