English Referee Sanctioned for Abusive Comments Against Klopp

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been sanctioned with an eight-week ban by the Football Association (FA) for abusive comments directed at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote's comments, which included a reference to Klopp's nationality, were recorded in a video in July 2020 and surfaced on social media in November 2024. The FA deemed the offense an "aggravated breach."

Coote was required to attend an educational program and expressed remorse for his comments, apologizing to Klopp, the FA, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), and the football community. He admitted his comments were "crude" and "inappropriate."

Coote's contract with the PGMOL was terminated in December 2024. He had also been sanctioned by UEFA for a separate incident.

Coote had come out as gay and stated that the struggle to hide his sexuality contributed to his outburst against Klopp.