Premier League Referee Suspended Over Apparent Video Rant

David Coote, a Premier League referee, was suspended after it was alleged that he made disparaging remarks about Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, on camera.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited confirmed Coote’s suspension, stating that it takes “immediate effect” pending a full investigation into the incident.

Coote, a seasoned referee in the Premier League since 2018, officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

He is now under scrutiny following the circulation of the unverified video, which reportedly references a previous match he officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, and Klopp publicly criticized Coote for not awarding fouls against challenges on Liverpool players.

PUNCH Online, however, has yet to confirm the authenticity and timing of the video, and PGMOL has stated that it will “withhold further comment until its investigation concludes,” according to multiple reports.

Meanwhile, transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano also reported the development on his X page, writing, “Official: PL referee David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will make no further comment until that process is complete.”