FA launches probe into Premier League referee David Coote following critiques from Klopp in video

LONDON - The Football Association has launched an investigation following the emergence of a video on social media that allegedly shows Premier League referee David Coote making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

Referees body Professional Game Match Officials announced on Nov 11 that Coote, 42, had been suspended pending a full investigation.

The Football Association is also looking at Coote’s comments. It is understood part of its investigation will centre on whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constitutes an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules.

“We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating it,” an FA spokesman said on Nov 12.

According to the clip, Coote, who refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Nov 9, said Klopp was “arrogant” and used offensive language.

Retired referee Mike Dean, now a TV pundit, believes the incident will have a damaging effect on officials throughout English football.

In an interview with , the 56-year-old said: “As referees you can’t put yourself in that position no matter what you do.

“You can say things away from camera, you can talk amongst your friends and things and colleagues, but you can’t let somebody video this and then hope that it’s never going to come out.”

The video appears to refer to a match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which finished 1-1. Liverpool had already been crowned champions.

Klopp criticised Coote after the match, saying the referee had been too lenient in his treatment of Burnley challenges.

Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season after nearly nine years in charge at Anfield.