Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for making derogatory remarks about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a video that was leaked on social media.
The 42-year-old was suspended in November 2024 after the footage surfaced, showing him making offensive comments about Klopp and Liverpool.
He was subsequently dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
The FA has now charged Coote under Rule E3.1, alleging he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and insulting language.
The charge also states that Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality in the video amounts to an “aggravated” breach of the rules.
Coote has, however, been cleared of any gambling-related misconduct. Allegations had circulated that he discussed issuing a yellow card to a player before a match, but the FA found no evidence to support those claims.
Coote strongly denied the allegation, calling it “false and defamatory.”
In a separate matter, UEFA banned Coote from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026, after a video appeared online showing him sniffing a white substance while on duty during Euro 2024.
In January, Coote publicly came out as gay, revealing that he had kept his sexuality hidden during his refereeing career due to fear of abuse.
He also admitted in an interview with The Sun that he had struggled with drug use but had since sought therapy and overcome his addiction.
What Happens Next?
Although Coote is no longer actively involved in football, the FA retains jurisdiction because he was still associated with the game when the comments became public.
If the same remarks were made now, while he is no longer working in football, the FA would not have the authority to act.
All cases involving discriminatory conduct are handled by an independent regulatory commission. Coote must now either admit or deny the charge:
If he admits the charge, the commission will issue a sanction.
If he denies it, the commission will hear the case and issue a judgment based on the outcome.
Should a financial penalty be imposed, FA disciplinary regulations state that failing to pay within the set deadline could result in a 25% increase in the fine.
A further delay of 35 days could lead to an automatic suspension from all football-related activities until payment is made.
