In a recent development that has shaken the Premier League’s officiating body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly launched an expletive-laden rant targeting Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. This incident has reignited discussions surrounding referee neutrality and accountability in England’s top-flight football.
The Viral Video that Sparked Outrage
The video, which surfaced on social media on Monday, appears to show David Coote harshly criticizing Liverpool and specifically Jurgen Klopp. Coote, who has been officiating in the Premier League since 2018, is seen in the footage describing Liverpool as “sh*t” and Klopp as “a German cu*t.” It’s believed the video was filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020, and a photo shown on Coote’s phone within the video suggests the remarks might refer to Liverpool’s shocking 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa in October of that year.
Coote’s Comments on Klopp and Liverpool
In the video, Coote recounts his frustration with Klopp following a previous game, stating that Klopp had a “right pop” at him during a Burnley match in lockdown, where Klopp allegedly accused Coote of lying.
🗣️ David Coote’s refereeing decisions lately have been shocking: Rodri handball, Odegaard handball, Pickford on van Dijk, and almost letting Bailey off last weekend… none were given. He’s under pressure and rightly so.
— Sportz (@Sportz_Bio) November 11, 2024
But the overreaction? Saying it's all "corruption" is… pic.twitter.com/U1CDsNj5mt
Coote’s language in the video is blunt and profane, and he expresses clear disdain for the former Liverpool manager, stating: “A c**t, an absolute… arrogant.” He goes on to explain that his attempts to limit interaction with Klopp stem from a mutual dislike, despite acknowledging that Liverpool’s veteran player James Milner is “all right.”
The PGMOL’s Swift Response
PGMOL, the organization responsible for managing professional referees in English football, was quick to react. Just hours after the video went viral, they released a statement confirming Coote’s suspension pending a full investigation. The statement read:
“David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
This prompt action by PGMOL demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the professionalism of their officials, even as the incident highlights the stresses and frustrations that may affect referees.
Coote’s History of Controversial Decisions with Liverpool
David Coote’s officiating record with Liverpool has not been without controversy. In July 2020, Coote refereed his first Liverpool game, a 1-1 draw against Burnley, where Klopp publicly confronted him post-match. Klopp criticized Coote for what he saw as missed calls, specifically a non-awarded penalty for a foul on Andy Robertson and inadequate protection for Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
One of Coote’s most widely criticized moments came when he was assigned to VAR duty for the highly charged Merseyside derby in October 2020. During that game, Liverpool’s star defender Virgil van Dijk suffered a season-ending knee injury following a reckless tackle by Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Despite the severity of the challenge, Coote and his team decided against reviewing the incident, leading to public outcry over the perceived lack of punishment for Pickford. This controversial decision contributed to growing concerns over Coote’s impartiality and judgment in Liverpool-related games.
In another incident, Coote was the VAR official in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal, where he and the referee, Chris Kavanagh, failed to award a penalty for a handball by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard. Following the game, PGMOL’s chief Howard Webb admitted that a penalty should have been given to Liverpool, further questioning Coote’s performance.
The Bigger Picture: Referee Accountability and the Pressure of the Premier League
The suspension of David Coote raises broader questions about accountability and the influence of personal biases among Premier League referees. Coote’s language in the video, especially the harsh criticisms aimed at Klopp, highlights the challenges of maintaining impartiality in an intensely competitive environment. Referees are human, and they, too, experience frustration, but incidents like these underline the need for professionalism in a role that holds significant influence over game outcomes.
This incident also highlights the challenges of referee-player and referee-manager relationships. Tensions and confrontations are inevitable in high-stakes matches, and managing these relationships is part of the job for officials. PGMOL’s decision to suspend Coote pending further investigation suggests that such behavior won’t be tolerated in the Premier League.
Final Thoughts
David Coote’s suspension underscores PGMOL’s commitment to upholding the integrity of English football officiating. While referees work under immense scrutiny, moments of unguarded frustration—especially those caught on camera—can undermine public trust. As the investigation unfolds, fans and officials alike will look for steps to ensure that officials’ personal biases do not impact their decisions on the pitch.
This incident serves as a reminder that professionalism is essential, particularly in high-profile roles with substantial responsibility. The Premier League and PGMOL will need to ensure their referees meet these standards to maintain the sport’s integrity and uphold public confidence in the fairness of officiating.
