David Coote: Former Premier League Referee Charged By FA For Offensive Comments About Jurgen Klopp

Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by an unidentified man

File photo of referee David Coote
File photo of referee David Coote officiating during an English Premier League match. Photo: AP
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Former Premier League referee David Coote was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday for making offensive comments to friends about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a private video that ended up being widely circulated on social media, leading to the match official getting fired.

Coote is alleged to have “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words,” the FA said about a video recorded around July 2020.

The governing body said it's alleged that the official's actions constitute an “aggravated breach” of rules because they “included a reference — whether express or implied — to nationality.”

Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by an unidentified man.

Coote was also investigated by the FA following allegations in British newspaper The Sun that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player in a match. Coote denied any wrongdoing and the FA said Tuesday no charges were issued in relation to that investigation.

Separately, UEFA launched an investigation into Coote following a video, again published by The Sun, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the European Championship this year.

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