Premier League ref David Coote suspended over Jürgen Klopp outburst - ESPN

Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended pending a full investigation after a video was circulated on social media which appeared to show him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.

Two clips were posted on an account on X in which Coote is apparently sat on a sofa next to an unidentified male, who asks questions about Liverpool and Klopp.

If the video is verified as being genuine, Coote — who was the referee for Liverpool's 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa on Saturday — would appear to have no future as a top-flight referee. There will be no further update from PGMOL, the refereeing body for English football, until the investigation has been completed, but Coote will be unavailable for selection as a referee or a VAR during this time.

Coote, 42, has been a Premier League referee since 2018 and took charge of the 2024 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle, He was a FIFA-listed official between 2020 and 2022.

While not on a UEFA list as a referee, he has, alongside Stuart Attwell, been a lead VAR and was appointed to Euro 2024.

It is unclear when the video was filmed, but there is reference to Coote being fourth official on a Liverpool game earlier in the day and COVID social distancing.

When asked about Liverpool's performance in the game, Coote replies «Liverpool were s---.»

The referee is then asked about Klopp, to which he responds: «C---, absolute c---.»

Asked why he has this opinion, Coote adds: «Aside from having a right pop at me when I was reffed them against Burnley in lockdown, then he accused me of lying and then just had a right f---ing pop at me. And I've got no interest in speaking to somebody as f---ing arrogant. So I do my best not