“I don’t like them” – Premier league Referee David Coote explained why he cheated Arsenal three times following his suspension by PGMOL today
The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has launched an investigation after a video surfaced online, reportedly showing Premier League referee David Coote making harsh comments about Liverpool and their manager, Jurgen Klopp, according to football.london. In this leaked clip, Coote appears to strongly criticize Klopp and Liverpool.
In the video, a man resembling Coote is seen speaking with an unidentified person who asks for his opinion on Klopp. The man then goes on an explicit rant, allegedly saying: “C***, absolute c***. Aside from having a serious go at me when I was officiating a match against Burnley during the lockdown, he accused me of lying and verbally attacked me. I have no interest in speaking to someone as f***ing arrogant. I try to avoid talking to him.”
The person next to him reportedly adds, “In short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f*ing b***** and we hate Scousers.”
David Coote served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Anfield in December 2023, a game marked by a controversial decision. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard appeared to block Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah by handling the ball inside the penalty area. However, on-field referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue, and the VAR did not call for a review. Coote reportedly ruled that Odegaard’s handball was unintentional, as he seemed to be bracing his fall, which under current rules does not count as a foul.
Following the match, Klopp questioned why VAR hadn’t reviewed the incident. Speaking to the media, Klopp said, “Yes, I saw it. I’m pretty sure someone will explain why it wasn’t given as a handball, but I can’t understand how. I’m not saying the referee could see it clearly, because I don’t know his position, but how does someone in an office look at it and not think it’s worth the referee taking a second look?”
Coote has been officiating in the Premier League since April 2018 and recently refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The Premier League, the Football Association (FA), and Liverpool Football Club have all been contacted for their comments on the incident.
