Former Premier League Referee Coote Suspended 8 Weeks Over Klopp Comments

David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has been suspended for eight weeks by the English Football Association (FA) and required to attend a face-to-face education program due to an offensive video in which he insulted Liverpool and its manager Jürgen Klopp, calling Klopp a "German c***" and "arrogant." The video, recorded in July 2020 but leaked in November 2024, led to Coote's dismissal by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024 and his suspension from UEFA duties until June 2026 over separate misconduct involving a video showing him snorting white powder. The FA found Coote guilty of an aggravated breach because of references to Klopp's nationality, and Coote admitted the charges, expressing remorse and apologizing personally to Klopp and the football community. Coote revealed in a January interview that his lifelong struggle with hiding his sexuality contributed to his inappropriate behavior and drug use. UEFA and the FA both condemned his actions for bringing discredit to football. The unfolding investigations and punishments paint a picture of Coote's career unraveling amid serious personal and professional challenges.