A video that appears to show Premier League referee David Coote making negative remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp has been widely shared on social media. As a result, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has suspended Coote with immediate effect.
Unverified Video and Immediate Suspension
The unverified video allegedly shows Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. PGMOL released a statement saying, “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.” Coote was the referee for Liverpool’s recent match against Aston Villa at Anfield.
Liverpool’s Reaction
Liverpool has declined to comment on the incident. Head of referees Howard Webb will discuss the matter on “Match Officials: Mic’d Up” on Sky Sports Premier League.
The Incident in Detail
The video seems to refer to a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020. Liverpool, who were already crowned champions, played against Burnley, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Jay Rodriguez’s goal for Burnley canceled out Andy Robertson’s opener, ending Liverpool’s 24-match winning streak at Anfield.
Klopp’s Discontent
At the end of that match, Klopp appeared to argue with Coote and his officials on the pitch. Klopp later criticized the referee for not awarding fouls for challenges made on Liverpool players. The video shows Coote speaking directly to a camera phone and making several derogatory comments about Liverpool and Klopp.
The authenticity of the Video
There is no confirmation yet about the authenticity of the video. The PGMOL has not verified it either. The video mentions lockdown and social distancing, suggesting it is not recent. Coote shows the interviewer a picture on his phone where he is wearing a mask, and he talks about Klopp and James Milner, who has not played for Liverpool for over 18 months.
David Coote’s Background
David Coote is an elite Premier League referee. He has been part of the elite group of match officials since 2018 and served as an EFL referee for eight years before that. Coote is one of the most experienced and highly respected referees in the country. This position requires a high level of responsibility, especially regarding impartiality.
Serious Allegations
Any suggestion that Coote or any other elite match official might have a bias against a particular Premier League club or its manager is a serious allegation. The relationship between Klopp and Coote has had its tensions, but Coote has not yet had the opportunity to explain himself to the public or the PGMOL.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to determine the authenticity of the video and understand the context of Coote’s comments. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Coote’s career and the perception of referee impartiality in the Premier League.
Fans’ Reactions
The suspension has sparked various reactions among football fans. Some support the decision, emphasizing the need for impartiality and integrity among referees. Others argue that more context is needed before making a judgment, especially since the video remains unverified.
Broader Impact on Refereeing Standards
This incident could have broader implications for refereeing standards in the Premier League. It may lead to increased scrutiny and calls for more transparency in the actions and decisions of match officials. Ensuring that referees are perceived as unbiased and fair is crucial for the reputation of the league.
