Premier League referee David Coote is facing a potential loss of over £1million after seemingly being caught on video making an X-rated rant about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 42-year-old official has been suspended pending investigation by both the PGMOL and FA following the emergence of footage, where a man that appears to be Coote made derogatory comments about the German manager.
The VAR specialist has already been removed from UEFA’s matchlist for an upcoming Nations League fixture during the international break.
The controversial video allegedly shows Coote calling Klopp a ‘German c**t’ and describing him as ‘f***ing arrogant.’
Premier League referee David Coote is facing a potential loss of over £1million after seemingly being caught on video making an X-rated rant about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
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In the footage, which was recorded several years ago, the referee also seemed to make disparaging remarks about Liverpool Football Club, describing them as “s**t.”
While Coote has not denied the video’s authenticity, he claims he ‘does not recall’ making the recording.
The minute-long clip was reportedly filmed by former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt, who has since been suspended from his position.
David Coote has been accused of calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘c**t’ but the authenticity of the footage is yet to be establishedPA
PGMOL boss Howard Webb has addressed the situation, stating: “We became aware of a video on social media that we are taking very seriously. We have instigated a full investigation.”
Webb confirmed that Coote has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has drawn attention from multiple governing bodies, with FIFA now examining Coote’s part-time position within their organisation.
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David Coote has been taken off UEFA’s matchlist in the wake of his video scandal
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The referee’s comments referencing Klopp’s nationality could result in stiffer sanctions under a potential aggravated misconduct charge and he’s expected to quit his job before being forced out.
The financial implications for Coote are severe, with the referee set to lose his Select Group 1 position that provides an annual salary of at least £100,000.
A source told The Sun: “He’s looking at more than a million quid down the drain there when you add it all up.”
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The Nottinghamshire official is also likely to forfeit any future role within the PGMOL after retirement, a common career path for many of his colleagues.
The incident has highlighted serious implications for Coote’s future in football officiating, particularly given his previous history with Klopp dating back to a clash after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield in July 2020.
Coote angered Klopp by failing to give Liverpool a penalty during the showdown.
The footage cast doubt on Coote’s ability to referee any Premier League matches, as his comments about Liverpool compromise his credibility.
His position is further complicated by the fact he could not officiate matches involving Liverpool’s rivals or teams with German players or managers in the wake of the scandal.