Premier League referee Coote suspended

Referee David Coote during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England.
Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended pending an investigation after a video surfaced on social media, appearing to show him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

The exact timing and origins of the video remain unclear, but in the footage, Coote, 42, is heard calling Klopp “arrogant” and using offensive language. Coote officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

In response to the incident, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for referees in the Premier League, issued a statement confirming Coote’s suspension. “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will make no further comment until the process is complete,” the statement read.

The investigation is ongoing, and PGMOL has indicated that further updates will be provided once the inquiry is concluded.

AFP