The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation following a viral video involving Premier League referee David Coote, in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp. Coote, who recently officiated Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, is seen in the clip reportedly criticizing Klopp, calling him "arrogant" and using offensive language. The FA's probe will particularly scrutinize whether any references Coote made to Klopp's nationality could be considered an aggravated breach of the governing body's misconduct regulations.
In response to the emergence of the video, the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) confirmed that Coote, 42, has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. A spokesperson for the FA reiterated the seriousness of the matter, stating, "We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating it."
The video in question appears to allude to a game that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. During that match, Klopp expressed his dissatisfaction with Coote's officiating, criticizing his perceived leniency towards Burnley’s aggressive play. At that time, Liverpool had already secured the Premier League title.
Coote’s officiating history with Liverpool includes several controversial moments. One such incident occurred during a 2022 match against Arsenal when Martin Ødegaard's hand appeared to touch the ball. Despite this, Coote, serving as VAR, did not recommend an on-field review, prompting criticism from Klopp. Additionally, Coote was the VAR during the infamous Merseyside derby in October 2020 when Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's reckless challenge caused a serious, season-ending injury to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. The lack of disciplinary action against Pickford further fueled outrage and drew scrutiny over Coote's decision-making.
Retired referee and current pundit Mike Dean commented on the unfolding situation, emphasizing the potential ramifications for referees across English football. He noted, “As referees, you can't put yourself in that position no matter what you do. You can say things privately among friends and colleagues, but you cannot allow yourself to be recorded and expect that it won't eventually surface."
Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after nearly nine years, experienced significant highs and lows during his tenure, including critical assessments of referees like Coote. The unfolding investigation reflects the FA's continued effort to uphold professionalism and integrity among match officials in English football. The outcome of this inquiry could potentially impact Coote's career and set a precedent for the conduct of referees both on and off the field.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0