Premier League referee David Coote suspended over video allegedly showing derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp

Newark’s Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after an X-rated video emerged of him appearing to criticise Liverpool and their former boss Jurgen Klopp.

In footage circulating on social media, which is still to be verified, Coote, from Winthorpe, brands Liverpool s*** and calls Klopp a ****.

The 42-year-old, who took charge of the Reds’ 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night, has been suspended by referees’ body the PGMOL.

A PGMOL statement said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.

“PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”

The footage appears to date from the Covid pandemic.

In it, Coote, who began his career as a teenage linesman in the Newark Alliance, is asked: “What did you think of the Liverpool game when you were fourth official?”

“Liverpool were s***,” he replies.

He is then asked: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?" to which he says: “****. Absolute ****.”

Asked why, Coote adds: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley, in lockdown, then he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody who’s f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him.”

Coote has been a Premier League referee for six seasons, taking charge of his first top-flight game in April 2018 between Newcastle and West Brom.

He was in the middle for the 2023 Carabao Cup final when Manchester United beat Newcastle United at Wembley.

Liverpool have declined to comment on the video.