ANFIELD – Premier League referee David Coote was suspended by the refereeing body PGMOL on November 11 pending a full investigation after a video went viral on social media showing the official abusing Liverpool and former coach Jurgen Klopp.

The video shows Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and German Klopp, who left Anfield in May.

The video has not been verified by Reuters, and it is unclear when it was filmed or its authenticity.

“David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will not make any further comment until the process is complete,” PGMOL said.

Liverpool are aware of the video which has been widely circulated on social media, but the club will not comment in light of the PGMOL investigation.

Coote, 42, refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa at Anfield on November 9. He has been a Premier League match official since 2018.

The video appears to refer to a league match refereed by Coote between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Klopp publicly criticized Coote after the game, accusing him of failing to penalize tackles on Liverpool players. Reuters