An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an eight-week suspension and ordered a mandatory face-to-face education programme for former Premier League referee David Coote after he was found guilty of breaching FA Rules with offensive comments aimed at then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The suspension, which takes effect immediately, stems from a video recorded back in July 2020 during a private gathering. In the footage, Coote used derogatory language about Klopp, referring to him as a “German c***” and describing him as “arrogant.” Although the incident happened years ago, the clip resurfaced on social media in November 2024, sparking outrage among fans and stakeholders in the football community.
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From Private Joke to Public Backlash
When the video re-emerged, criticism poured in from all corners of the game. Liverpool supporters, anti-discrimination groups, and fellow referees condemned the remarks. The FA launched a formal investigation to determine whether Coote’s comments breached its E3.1 (improper and/or insulting conduct) and E3.2 (aggravated breach due to reference to nationality) regulations.
In June 2025, the FA charged Coote. The independent commission ruled the remarks did indeed constitute an aggravated breach, citing the nationality-based slur as the key factor.
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The Punishment
The ruling delivered a double blow:
Eight-week suspension from all football-related activities under FA jurisdiction.
Mandatory face-to-face education programme, to be completed within four months. Failure to attend will result in an automatic extension of the suspension.
Interestingly, no financial fine was imposed, largely because Coote had already lost significant income after his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024.
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A Fall from Grace
This controversy came on the heels of another damaging episode. Late last year, further footage surfaced allegedly showing Coote snorting a white substance during Euro 2024. Although he denied wrongdoing, the scandal cost him his role at PGMOL. UEFA then banned him from officiating in European matches until June 2026.
The latest FA ruling adds another chapter to what has been a sharp and public career decline for a referee who once officiated at the top level of English football.
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Coote’s Reaction
Coote admitted to the FA’s charge without contest, expressing deep remorse. In a formal statement, he apologized to Klopp, the FA, PGMOL, and the football community at large.
> “The comments in that video do not reflect my true views or the respect I have always had for Jürgen Klopp,” he said. “I recognize the hurt caused and take full responsibility for my actions.”
He also revealed personal struggles with mental health and the pressure of concealing his sexuality during that period, which he said contributed to his behavior.
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Looking Ahead
While the suspension is temporary, the damage to Coote’s public image and professional reputation is likely long-lasting. The mandatory education programme will focus on diversity, inclusion, and respect within football—training the FA hopes will prevent similar incidents in the future.
The football community now waits to see whether Coote will seek a return to officiating after his bans expire, or whether this marks the final whistle on his refereeing career.
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