FA Launches Investigation into Referee David Coote’s Alleged Comments About Jurgen Klopp

The Football Association (FA) has initiated its own investigation into a video that reportedly shows Premier League referee David Coote using foul language to describe former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote has already been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) pending the outcome of a comprehensive inquiry.

Additionally, BBC Sport has learned that the 42-year-old referee has been withdrawn from international duties this week.

The nature of Coote’s alleged remarks has drawn particular scrutiny from the FA, especially as one comment references Klopp’s German nationality. FA regulations state that nationality can contribute to an aggravated breach of its rules.

“We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating it,” the FA stated.

The video, which purportedly shows Coote making derogatory comments about Klopp, has circulated on social media but has not been verified by the BBC.

The timing of its filming remains unclear. A source indicated to the BBC that PGMOL’s investigation is treating the video as authentic.

Coote, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, has officiated matches in the top flight since 2018.

The footage appears to reference a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Following that match, Klopp criticized Coote, claiming he failed to penalize fouls against Liverpool players.

In the video, a man alleged to be Coote mentions that Klopp “had a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown,” labeling Klopp as arrogant and using several expletives in reference to him. The video lasts just over a minute and features Coote with another individual; however, the circumstances surrounding its release remain unclear.

PGMOL has stated it will refrain from further comments on the case until its investigation concludes.