Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of David Coote has resurfaced after PGMOL launched an investigation into alleged footage of the Premier League referee making abusive comments about the former Liverpool manager.

On Monday afternoon, a video circulated on social media that claims to show Coote making disparaging comments towards Liverpool and Klopp.

In the clip, a man who appears to be Coote is asked about a Liverpool game in which he had been the “recent” official fourth. It is not clear when the footage was shot, but he mentions Klopp.

The other man in the video then asks Coote what he thought of Liverpool during that game, to which he replied: “Liverpool were shit”.

Then a question is asked about Kloppto which he replies: “A c***. Absolute c***.

He continued: “Apart from the fact that he had a fair pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in isolation, then accused me of lying and then went right mad at me. I have no interest in talking to someone who is so damn arrogant.”

Image credit: Getty

Coote then added: “(James) Milner is fine. I get along with Milner.”

A photo is then shown from the match, on a phone, showing Coote wearing a mask as he sat alongside Milner and Klopp.

PGMOL – the refereeing body responsible for professional match officials in England – are investigating the footage circulating on social media and on Monday afternoon it was confirmed that Coote had been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.

A statement added: “PGMOL will make no further comment until the process is complete.”

Coote, who was responsible for Liverpool’s 2-0 win Aston Villa on Saturday, had yet to issue a public statement responding to the allegations.

Last December, Klopp criticized VAR official Coote after Liverpool draw 1-1 against Arsenal at Anfield.

Klopp said his side should have had a penalty in the 19th minute after Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard appeared to block Mohamed Salah’s path to the ball with his hand.

Chris Kavanagh, who officiated the game, allowed play to continue and play was not stopped for VAR review as Coote deemed Odegaard to have handled the ball as it fell.

“Yes, I saw him,” said Klopp. “I’m pretty sure someone will come and explain to me why it wasn’t handball, but I don’t know how?

“I’m not saying the referee can see him because I don’t know where he was at the time. But how can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly, the referee might be worth another look?”

Image credit: Sky Sports/Premier League

As a result of the draw, Arsenal took a one-point lead over Liverpool in the Premier League title race.