Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association after a video leaked on social media showed him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 42-year-old was suspended in November 2024 following the release of the clip, which contained disparaging comments aimed at both Klopp and Liverpool.
A month later, Coote was dismissed by the refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after what it described as a “thorough investigation” into his behaviour.
The FA has now charged Coote under rule E3.1, which relates to acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive or insulting language.
The charge is considered aggravated because the comments included a reference to Klopp’s nationality.
Alongside the misconduct charge, Coote had also faced allegations of gambling-related behaviour. Specifically, he was accused of discussing plans to book a player before a match had taken place.
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the FA for comments he made during a video that was leaked on social media. pic.twitter.com/Fbu9JIxrxb
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 17, 2025
However, he has now been cleared of any wrongdoing in that area. Coote, who is from Nottinghamshire, had firmly denied those claims, calling them “false and defamatory.”
In a separate development, UEFA banned Coote from officiating in European competitions until 30 June 2026. That decision came after a video emerged in November of him appearing to sniff a white powder while working at Euro 2024.
In January, Coote publicly came out as gay and revealed he had hidden his sexuality throughout his refereeing career due to fears of abuse. He also admitted that he had developed a drug habit, which he has since overcome through therapy.
