- Video leaked online in November 2024
- Sacked by the Premier League
- Banned from European games by UEFA
While being employed as a top-flight match official, a video emerged online of Coote discussing ex-Liverpool manager Klopp. His actions attracted plenty of criticism and he has now been sanctioned for an “aggravated breach” of Football Association guidelines.
The FA said in a statement on its official website: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an eight-week suspension and mandatory face-to-face education programme on David Coote for a breach of FA Rule E3.
“It was alleged that contrary to FA Rule E3.1 the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words about Jurgen Klopp in a video that was recorded around July 2020 and appeared on social media in November 2024.
“It was also alleged that his actions constitute an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as they included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality. David Coote subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”
Coote was initially suspended in November 2024 after said video was leaked. He is said to have expressed “deep remorse” and acknowledged that his comments about German tactician Klopp were “crass and inappropriate”.
Coote was initially suspended when the video in question was leaked. He was sacked by the Premier League referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) a month later – with another video emerging of him appearing to sniff white powder while on duty at Euro 2024.
UEFA banned Coote from officiating in European competition in February 2025, with that suspension set to run until June 30, 2026. The 43-year-old came out as gay in January 2025 and claimed to have hidden his sexuality throughout his refereeing career for fear of attracting abuse.
