Reuters

November 12, 2024, 10:05 a.m

Last modified: November 12, 2024, 10:06 a.m

Premier League referee David Coote was suspended by refereeing body PGMOL on Monday pending a full investigation after a video circulated on social media of the official abusing Liverpool and former manager Juergen 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 Saturday. 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.