PGMOL chief Howard Webb speaks out on David Coote suspension following leaked video controversy

Howard Webb, the chief of The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), has spoken out about the controversial video allegedly featuring Premier League referee David Coote.

On the show Mic'd Up, where Webb reviews contentious refereeing decisions, he confirmed that PGMOL is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

Both PGMOL and the Football Association have initiated separate probes into the footage, which shows a man making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp. Amidst the ongoing investigations, Coote has been suspended.

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The video captures a man insulting Liverpool as "s***" and labelling Jurgen Klopp a "German c***", while at one point displaying a photo on a mobile phone that appears to depict Klopp, James Milner, and a fourth official wearing a mask. The content of the recording suggests it may have been recorded during a lockdown period.

Addressing the issue, Webb stated: "We became aware of a video that's been circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously. We've instigated a full investigation."

"One of our referees David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of that investigation. And there's not much more I can say at this stage until we work through that investigation."

Coote was the referee for Liverpool's recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday evening. He has officiated eight matches involving Liverpool, with a 15-month interval between his first game in July 2020 and his second in October 2021.

Coote was in the middle when Manchester United saw VAR Michael