Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following allegations of inappropriate comments about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp.

The suspension comes after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing Coote making derogatory remarks following Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. PGMOL has launched a full investigation into the matter, with Coote removed from officiating duties until further notice.

"We have suspended David Coote with immediate effect while a full investigation is conducted," PGMOL stated in their official announcement.

The controversy stems from a historical incident during a Liverpool-Burnley match in July 2020, where Klopp criticized Coote's officiating style. At the time, Klopp expressed concerns about the referee's leniency towards physical play, stating, "The referee let lots of challenges go, which made it dangerous in the box."

Coote, who is registered as a Notts County supporter, is already prohibited from officiating matches involving County or Nottingham Forest due to potential conflicts of interest. This latest incident has sparked renewed discussions about referee impartiality in the Premier League.

The investigation will focus on verifying the authenticity of the video and its implications for the integrity of Premier League officiating. The outcome could have significant ramifications for both Coote's career and the broader discussion of referee conduct in professional football.

Related Articles

Previous Articles