Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following the circulation of a controversial video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and manager Jürgen Klopp, including calling Klopp a “German ct” and describing Liverpool as “st.” The video, which dates back to the 2020-21 season, has ignited a strong response, with Coote now asserting his “right to freedom of speech” as his defense.
In the leaked footage, Coote detailed his frustration with Klopp, whom he referred to as “arrogant,” recounting a heated exchange during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in 2020. “He accused me of lying and just had a right go at me,” Coote claimed in the clip. “I’ve got no interest in speaking to someone who’s arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him … My God, German ct, fk me.”
The video captures a casual, expletive-laden conversation between Coote and another individual. Coote’s comments also reflect his disdain toward Liverpool’s team performance, which he reportedly criticized after a game where he served as the fourth official. At one point, he expressed disdain for Liverpool fans, joining the other man in denouncing “scousers.” The men further joked about disregarding Covid regulations, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Coote sarcastically commenting, “We’re two meters apart.”
Premier League referee David Coote Jurgen Klopp a “C*nt” and said this about Liverpool….. He’s finished!🤦🏼♂️😳 pic.twitter.com/5Vmmon4f5q
— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) November 11, 2024
Following the release of the video, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) quickly suspended Coote and announced an investigation. “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation,” stated PGMOL. “We will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
In response, Coote has defended his comments as “freedom of speech,” suggesting that he has the right to express his opinions, even those about prominent public figures like Klopp. “I’m entitled to my opinions, and that includes calling things out as I see them,” Coote reportedly said. “Freedom of speech is still something we have, last I checked.”
Liverpool has refrained from commenting on the matter, given the ongoing investigation. Coote’s history with Liverpool includes several contentious officiating moments. Notably, he was the VAR official during Liverpool’s 7-2 loss to Aston Villa in 2020, which included a controversial unpunished tackle by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk, sidelining the defender for months.
With an internal review underway, Coote’s future as a referee in the Premier League is now in question, particularly as the scandal intensifies scrutiny on the impartiality of match officials.
Premier League referee David Coote Jurgen Klopp a “C*nt” and said this about Liverpool….. He’s finished!🤦🏼♂️😳 pic.twitter.com/5Vmmon4f5q
— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) November 11, 2024
