Sacked Referee David Coote Charged by FA Over Klopp Comments

Sacked Referee Coote Charged by FA Over Klopp Video

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been officially charged by the Football Association (FA) for offensive and improper comments made about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a leaked video.

The video, which surfaced on social media in November 2024, showed Coote making derogatory and xenophobic remarks about Klopp and the club. He was suspended immediately and later sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a thorough internal investigation.

FA Charges: Abusive and Aggravated Conduct

The FA has charged Coote under Rule E3.1, which refers to conduct that is abusive, insulting, or improper. The inclusion of Klopp’s nationality in the remarks has made it an “aggravated breach”, which carries heavier potential sanctions under the FA’s guidelines on discrimination.

While these remarks were made during his time as an active official, the FA clarified that its jurisdiction applies only to individuals involved in football at the time of the offence.

Gambling Allegations Dismissed

Coote was also the subject of gambling-related accusations after suggestions emerged that he had discussed issuing a yellow card to a player before a match. These claims have been dismissed, with the FA finding no evidence of betting misconduct.

Coote described those allegations as “false and defamatory.”

UEFA Ban and Personal Revelation

Earlier this year, UEFA banned Coote from officiating in European competitions until 30 June 2026 after a separate video emerged showing him sniffing a white powder during duty at Euro 2024.

In January, Coote publicly revealed he is gay, explaining he had hidden his sexuality during his career due to fear of abuse. He also admitted to having developed a drug addiction, which he says he has now addressed through therapy.

What Happens Next?

Now that the FA has filed formal charges, Coote must respond by either admitting or denying them. If he admits guilt, an independent regulatory commission will impose a sanction. If he denies the charge, the case will be heard and judged independently.

Possible outcomes include:

• Fines

• Suspensions from football activity

• Further disciplinary sanctions if fines are unpaid

The FA’s rules state that failure to pay fines could result in an automatic 25% increase, and eventual suspension from football until full payment is made.