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Former referee David Coote faces FA charges over a leaked video, adding to a series of recent controversies.
Former Premier League referee David Coote is now facing formal charges from the Football Association (FA) for making derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a leaked video.
The FA confirmed that Coote, 42,who was dismissed late last year after a series of high-profile controversies, has been charged under rule E3.1, which alleges improper conduct and the use of abusive and/or insulting language.
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The incident relates to a social media video that surfaced in November 2024, in which Coote made disparaging remarks about Klopp and his former club Liverpool. The FA has stated that the reference to Klopp’s nationality in the video amounts to an "aggravated" breach of its rules.
“I categorically deny any malicious intent,” Coote reportedly told friends after the video went viral, though the FA has now determined there is enough evidence to bring forward a charge as per BBC.
Suspended, Investigated, and Then Sacked
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Following the video's circulation, Coote was promptly suspended by the Premier League referees’ governing body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), pending an internal probe.
A month later, in December 2024, Coote was officially dismissed after what PGMOL described as a “thorough investigation into his conduct.”
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The video, which is believed to have been recorded during a private gathering, showed Coote mocking Klopp’s personality, accent, and footballing philosophy. The FA’s decision to include the German manager's nationality in its aggravated breach ruling highlights the seriousness of the comments made.
In a brief statement at the time of his dismissal, PGMOL said: “We hold our officials to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
After careful review, we determined Mr. Coote’s actions were incompatible with those standards.”
No Gambling Breach, but Uefa Ban Remains
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Alongside the Klopp controversy, Coote had also faced allegations of gambling misconduct.
Reports had claimed that the referee discussed potentially issuing a yellow card to a player before a match — a claim that raised concerns about possible betting integrity breaches.
However, the FA has cleared Coote of any wrongdoing related to those allegations. “The gambling claims were completely false and defamatory,” Coote responded at the time.
“I’ve never placed or influenced a bet in my career.”
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Despite the clearance by the FA, Coote remains banned by UEFA from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026.
That suspension followed a separate incident during Euro 2024, where a video emerged of Coote apparently sniffing a white powder while on duty at the tournament. UEFA acted swiftly, handing down a two-year ban after an internal review.
Public Struggles and Personal Revelation
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In January 2025, Coote gave an emotional interview to The Sun newspaper, in which he publicly revealed he was gay — a secret he had kept throughout his refereeing career due to fear of abuse and backlash.
He also admitted during the interview to having battled a drug problem.
“I got help. Therapy was my turning point,” he said.
“I was living a double life, constantly afraid, and I made mistakes.”
While Coote's professional future remains uncertain, the latest charge from the FA ensures that his case — and the conversation around the pressures faced by football officials — will remain in the public eye for some time.
Coote has until later this month to respond formally to the FA’s charge.
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