PGMOL suspends David Coote; Probe viral NSFW video of EPL reference Dissing Klopp, Liverpool | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Liverpool Head Coach Jurgen Klopp complains to fourth official David Coote after Southampton's Nathan Redmond scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on May 17, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Robin Jones/Getty Images

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has suspended England referee David Coote and is investigating a video in which Coote allegedly made derogatory comments towards former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Sam Cunningham @Samcunningham

BREAK:
PGMOL statement:
“David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will make no further comment until that process is complete.”

The person identified in the video as Coote said Liverpool was “s–t” when asked about the club, and described Klopp as a “c–t” and “f–king arrogant,” according to the Daily mail‘S Lewis Steele.

It is unclear when the video was recorded, but it appears that Klopp was still Liverpool manager. Coote used the present tense when he said: “I’m doing my best not to talk to him”, and also praised midfielder James Milner, who left Liverpool when his contract expired after the 2022-23 season.

The comments sparked an immediate reaction, especially among Reds supporters, and a suspension was inevitable.

Even though Coote has never shown any explicit bias against Liverpool in recent games, his credibility has been massively undermined. It didn’t take long for fans investigated near executive decisions that went against Liverpool.

At the very least, it is difficult to imagine how Coote could allow another Liverpool match to go ahead if the video is verified, and PGMOL may decide that more serious action is needed.

Keith Hackett, a former top referee who once headed PGMOL, told BBC Sport’s Chris Osborne in 2016, the organization will attempt to investigate possible conflicts of interest.

“At the start of each season, the background information of the referees is checked,” he said. “They fill out a form stating who they support, the history of whether they have played the game and the addresses where they live.

“That gives you an image that is useful when appointing. It is about ensuring, for example, that you do not appoint a referee from Sheffield for a team from Sheffield.”

Koete became a regular Premier League referee in 2018/19. Coincidentally, he was the referee for Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on matchday 11.