Premier League referee David Coote has been temporarily sidelined from his duties while a full investigation is conducted, following the emergence of a video on social media on Monday. The footage, which has been widely shared, allegedly shows Coote making offensive remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp, shortly after officiating Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa—a match in which Mohamed Salah played a crucial role.
In the video, the 42-year-old referee is said to be heard criticizing Liverpool’s performance, using the term “s**t” to describe their play in a match he attended, along with an insulting term directed at Klopp. The authenticity of the video is currently being examined, and if it is verified that the voice is indeed Coote’s, his career as a top-level referee could be at serious risk.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has stated that they will refrain from making any further statements until the investigation is concluded. During this time, Coote will not be assigned any on-field or VAR responsibilities, allowing the inquiry to take place during the international break, with the Premier League set to resume on November 23.
This controversy has raised questions about Coote’s future in the Premier League. Having been a referee since 2018, he has officiated in several major matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. Given the gravity of the video, it could be difficult for him to restore his reputation, as any future decisions he makes on the field may be subjected to intense scrutiny.
An update on Coote’s status is expected before the Premier League resumes, although it seems unlikely that the outcome will be positive for his officiating career.
