New Delhi: Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following allegations of him making negative remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp. The decision came swiftly after a video surfaced online, reportedly showing Coote criticising Klopp and Liverpool. The video also allegedly contained expletives, sparking controversy across social media.
In an official statement, PGMOL stated, “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.” The timing, authenticity, and context of the video remain unclear, but its circulation has raised serious questions about Coote’s neutrality as a Premier League official.
David coote ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/WDHc36a7Mn
— Josh (@Josh97LFC) November 11, 2024
The video reportedly references a 2020 match between Liverpool and Burnley, where Coote was the referee. That game ended 1-1, with Klopp openly criticising the referee’s leniency toward Burnley’s physical approach, which he felt was unfair to Liverpool players. Klopp’s post-match comments included his frustration over missed calls, saying, “The referee let a lot of challenges go, making it dangerous when the ball entered the box.” His dissatisfaction highlighted tensions between the club and certain officials at the time.
Since Klopp’s departure last season, Liverpool has been in impressive form under Dutchman Arne Slot, who replaced Klopp as the Reds’ manager. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League standings with seven wins in their opening nine matches, signalling a promising season so far.
Coote, who officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa with goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, now faces an uncertain future as the investigation unfolds. For now, PGMOL’s suspension means he is out of action, and the case remains open pending further developments.
PGMOL suspended David Coote amid a probe into a video of him allegedly making remarks against Liverpool and ex-manager Klopp. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
