Ex-Referee David Coote Suspended Over Klopp Comments, Faces Education Order After FA Sanction
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been handed an eight-week suspension by the Football Association (FA) and ordered to complete an educational programme following offensive remarks he made about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The disciplinary action follows Coote’s dismissal in December by the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), after a video surfaced online showing him making disparaging comments about Klopp and Liverpool dating back to 2020.
The FA ruled that Coote had committed an “aggravated breach” of Rule E3.2, citing his reference to Klopp’s German nationality in the footage as a factor. In its written verdict released on Tuesday, the FA stated that Coote showed “deep remorse” and admitted that his remarks were “crass and inappropriate.”
Coote was initially charged in June, but the FA clarified that no further action would be taken regarding separate allegations of gambling misconduct, which he had firmly denied. Those claims, the FA confirmed, were thoroughly investigated and dismissed.
Further controversy surrounded Coote after a video circulated in November appearing to show him snorting a white substance, reportedly during Euro 2024. As a result, UEFA imposed a ban barring him from any officiating duties until June 2026.
In a candid interview published in January, Coote revealed he is gay and shared how concealing his sexuality over the years had contributed to a series of poor decisions in his professional life.
