Premier League referee David Coote suspended amid social media controversy
Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the circulation of a video on social media in which he allegedly makes derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. The suspension, effective immediately, is pending a full investigation to determine the video’s authenticity and context.
The unverified video has raised concerns, particularly as Coote officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win over Aston Villa and has been involved in Premier League officiating since 2018. Coote, a declared Notts County fan, is registered with PGMOL, which requires referees to disclose their club affiliations to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
David coote ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/WDHc36a7Mn
— Josh (@Josh97LFC) November 11, 2024
The controversy links back to a match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, where Klopp criticized Coote’s officiating, particularly over missed fouls on Liverpool players. That game ended Liverpool’s winning run at Anfield, and Klopp’s side subsequently missed the opportunity to reach a historic 100 points that season, a feat previously achieved only by Manchester City.
PGMOL has stated it will not comment further until the investigation concludes. The incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding referees and the critical role they play in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
