Former Premier League referee David Coote faces an eight-week suspension due to his remarks about manager Jurgen Klopp
In a surprising turn of events, former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned for eight weeks and dismissed from his position by the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) due to abusive and insulting remarks he made about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The incident, recorded in July 2020 and circulated on social media in November 2024, saw Coote referring to Klopp as a "German c---" and "f--- arrogant." Coote admitted the charge of misconduct under FA Rule E3.1, acknowledging his words were improper and offensive. However, he stated that they did not reflect his true feelings and expressed professional respect towards Klopp.
Coote personally apologised to Klopp, the FA, PGMOL, and the wider football community for his actions, which he admitted fell way below what was expected of him. The FA found him guilty of an "aggravated breach" due to the abusive language and the reference to Klopp's nationality.
This is not the first time Coote has found himself in hot water. In February, he was banned by UEFA until 30 June 2026 due to a separate incident where a video emerged of him snorting a white powder while in Germany for last summer's Euros. Coote has apologised for any offence caused by his actions.
In addition to the FA suspension and PGMOL dismissal, Coote's position was deemed untenable due to a serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract. He has been ordered to attend a "face-to-face education programme."
In a statement to a website in January, Coote expressed regret for his actions and the negative spotlight they put on the game he loves. He also attributed his rant about Klopp to a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality, which he came out as gay earlier this year.
[1] BBC News, "Ex-Premier League referee David Coote banned for eight weeks", 10 January 2025, www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56711065 [2] The Guardian, "David Coote sacked by PGMOL after video of him using racial slur emerges", 16 December 2024, www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/16/david-coote-sacked-by-pgmol-after-video-of-him-using-racial-slur-emerges [3] The Telegraph, "David Coote banned from football for eight weeks over comments about Jurgen Klopp", 10 January 2025, www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/01/10/david-coote-banned-football-eight-weeks-comments-jurgen-klopp/ [4] Sky Sports, "David Coote banned by UEFA for eight weeks", 10 January 2025, www.skysports.com/football/news/11496/12341317/david-coote-banned-by-uefa-for-eight-weeks
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