Former Premier League referee David Coote has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) for comments made about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a video that was leaked on social media in late 2024.
The 42-year-old official, from Nottinghamshire, was initially suspended in November 2024 after footage surfaced showing him making derogatory remarks about Klopp and Liverpool. Following a “thorough investigation” by the Premier League’s refereeing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Coote was dismissed from his role in December.
The FA has now charged Coote under rule E3.1, which relates to improper conduct and the use of abusive and/or insulting language. The FA further described the remarks referencing Klopp’s nationality as an “aggravated breach” of the rules.
In a separate matter, Coote has been cleared of alleged gambling misconduct. This followed speculation that he had discussed the possibility of showing a yellow card to a player prior to officiating a match. Coote strongly denied the claim, calling it “false and defamatory,” and the FA has since dropped any charges related to that allegation.
Coote’s career has faced significant setbacks in recent months. In February 2025, UEFA banned him from officiating in any European competition until 30 June 2026. This followed the circulation of another video in which Coote was seen sniffing a white powder while on duty during Euro 2024.
In January, Coote publicly came out as gay in an interview, revealing that he had hidden his sexuality throughout his refereeing career out of fear of abuse. He also admitted to battling a drug addiction, which he says he has since overcome with the help of therapy.
Once a regular fixture in top-flight matches, Coote’s fall from grace has been rapid and dramatic. The FA’s current charge marks the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the former referee, whose personal and professional life has come under intense public scrutiny.
