FA charge ex-referee David Coote over Jurgen Klopp video | OneFootball

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association following a leaked video on social media in which he made remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.The FA confirmed that Coote has been charged in relation to rule E3.1, alleging he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words.The 42-year-old was suspended in November 2024 by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a video emerged on social media of Coote making inappropriate and insulting remarks about Klopp, some of which referenced the German manager’s nationality. According to the FA, this aspect of the video constitutes an “Aggravated Breach” under FA Rule E3.2, which applies when misconduct includes discriminatory language or behaviour.An FA spokesperson said:“David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It’s alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’ under FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality.”The video first surfaced just days after Coote had served as fourth official during Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa at Anfield last November. After his initial suspension, he was officially dismissed from his position as a Premier League match official in December 2024. In February UEFA banned Coote from officiating European competition until June 30 2026.The FA confirmed that Coote will face no charges in relation to the gambling accusations, which he had previously denied.

Coote refereed 112 Premier League matches and also took charge of fixtures in the Championship, League One and League Two.