Disgraced former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Coote, 42, was dismissed by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in December after a video surfaced showing him making offensive comments about Klopp and Liverpool, dating back to 2020.
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The FA has now charged Coote under Rule E3.1, accusing him of acting improperly and/or using abusive or insulting language. The charge is considered “aggravated” due to the reference to Klopp’s nationality in the footage.
While cleared of separate allegations involving gambling misconduct, including claims he had discussed giving a yellow card to a player before a match, Coote faces further scrutiny over the damaging remarks.
Earlier this year, UEFA banned Coote from officiating in European competition until 30 June 2026 after a video emerged showing him sniffing a white substance while on duty during Euro 2024.
In January, Coote publicly revealed he is gay, admitting he hid his sexuality during his refereeing career for fear of abuse. He also confessed to battling a drug problem, which he says he has since overcome through therapy.
The FA’s investigation into his comments about Klopp marks another chapter in the ongoing fallout from his controversial off-field behaviour.
