After a video purportedly capturing Premier League referee David Coote making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and the team’s former manager, Jurgen Klopp, went viral on social media, Coote was suspended.
According to the refereeing authority PGMOL, the suspension is effective immediately and is pending a thorough investigation.
The BBC has not confirmed the footage, which has been extensively circulated on social media. Its validity and the time it was filmed are unknown.
The BBC was informed by a source that PGMOL’s investigation is considering the footage to be authentic.
On Saturday, Coote, 42, officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. He has officiated Premier League games since 2018 and is among the league’s most seasoned officials.
The leaked video seems to be about a 1-1 Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool in July 2020 that Coote officiated.
Following the game, Klopp chastised Coote, claiming the referee had not called fouls for challenges on Liverpool’s players.
According to the individual who is purported to be Coote, Klopp gave him “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” in the video. He refers to Klopp as conceited and uses profanity multiple times.
The video, which lasts just over a minute, features him with another male. It’s unknown what circumstances led to the video’s appearance.
PGMOL states that until its investigation is over, it will not be commenting on the case any more.
According to BBC Sport, Liverpool is aware of the footage but has not yet commented.
English Football League chairman Rick Parry stated in an interview with BBC Sport on Monday: “PGMOL is dealing with it – they have suspended him – they’ve acted quickly and they will make sure they deal with it thoroughly and professionally.”
Referees are required to inform PGMOL of the club they support.
Coote, from Nottingham, is registered as a Notts County fan and is therefore unable to officiate County or Nottingham Forest matches.
