Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following the circulation of a video on social media allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The refereeing body PGMOL announced that the suspension is effective immediately, pending a full investigation. The video, which has been widely shared online, has not been verified by the BBC, and details regarding when it was recorded or its authenticity remain unclear.
A source told the BBC that PGMOL is treating the video as genuine in its inquiry.
Coote, 42, who officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, is one of the Premier League’s most seasoned referees and has officiated top-flight matches since 2018.
The video in question reportedly references a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp had criticized Coote after the match, accusing him of failing to penalize fouls against Liverpool players.
In the video, the man alleged to be Coote reportedly mentions Klopp’s complaints, calling him “arrogant” and using expletives. The video, lasting just over a minute, shows Coote with another individual, though the circumstances of its release are unclear.
PGMOL has stated it will withhold further comments until the investigation is complete. BBC Sport reports that Liverpool is aware of the video but is not commenting at this time.
Speaking to BBC Sport on Monday, English Football League chairman Rick Parry said: “PGMOL is dealing with it – they have suspended him – they’ve acted quickly and they will make sure they deal with it thoroughly and professionally.”
Referees are required to inform PGMOL of the club they support.
Coote, from Nottingham, is registered as a Notts County fan and is therefore unable to officiate County or Nottingham Forest matches.
What happened against Burnley?
With their first Premier League title secured, Liverpool’s focus in July 2020 shifted to making history as the first club to win every home game in a season.
The Reds were on a remarkable 24-match winning streak at Anfield, which had helped them establish a 25-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Additionally, Klopp’s team aimed to become only the second side to reach 100 points in a 38-game Premier League season, a feat achieved by Manchester City in the 2017-18 campaign.
In the match against Burnley, Andrew Robertson put Liverpool ahead, but Jay Rodriguez later scored an equalizer, resulting in a draw.
At full-time, Klopp was seen arguing with Coote and his officiating team on the pitch.
“The referee let lots of challenges go so it was clear that if the ball comes into the box it was dangerous. They [Burnley] did what they are good at and I respect that,” said Klopp after the match.
“We were angry with the referee but we have to criticise ourselves first for not finishing the game.”
Liverpool lost their next fixture against Arsenal, which ended their hopes of reaching 100 points.