FA Charges Former Referee David Coote Over Controversial Klopp Comments

Former Premier League referee David Coote faces FA charges for derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp, amid a series of personal and professional controversies.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) following a leaked video in which he made derogatory remarks about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The incident, which surfaced on social media in November 2024, led to Coote's suspension and subsequent dismissal by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a comprehensive investigation.

The FA's charge against Coote pertains to rule E3.1, citing improper conduct and the use of abusive or insulting language. Notably, the charge was aggravated by references to Klopp's nationality. Despite these allegations, Coote has been exonerated from claims of gambling misconduct, which he vehemently denied, labeling them as "false and defamatory".

Coote's professional troubles were compounded by a UEFA ban from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026. This followed the emergence of a video showing Coote using a white powder while on duty at the UEFA-organized Euro 2024. In a personal revelation, Coote disclosed his sexuality in January, admitting he had concealed it throughout his career due to fears of abuse. He also spoke about overcoming a drug addiction through therapy.

This case highlights ongoing issues within football governance and the personal challenges faced by sports officials. It also underscores the need for transparency and support systems within professional sports environments.

What to Read Next

Cristhian Mosquera Set to Strengthen Arsenal's Defense Ahead of Pre-Season Tour
Football

Cristhian Mosquera Set to Strengthen Arsenal's Defense Ahead of Pre-Season Tour

Cristhian Mosquera is set to join Arsenal's pre-season tour in Singapore, adding depth to their defense as they finalize his transfer from Valencia.

Man Utd Targets Aston Villa's Emi Martinez: Summer Transfer Gossip
Football

Man Utd Targets Aston Villa's Emi Martinez: Summer Transfer Gossip

Manchester United is eyeing Aston Villa's Emi Martinez in a potential summer transfer move, alongside other key football gossip updates.

Wafcon 2024: DR Congo's Return Sparks Hope Amidst Conflict
Football

Wafcon 2024: DR Congo's Return Sparks Hope Amidst Conflict

DR Congo's return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations brings hope to a nation torn by conflict, as players and fans unite for a moment of joy.

Premier League Transfer Buzz: Arsenal Targets Hugo Ekitike Amidst Intense Competition
Football

Premier League Transfer Buzz: Arsenal Targets Hugo Ekitike Amidst Intense Competition

Arsenal joins the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, amidst interest from top clubs and key player movements in the Premier League.

England's Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory Captivates 7.4 Million Viewers in Euro 2025 Quarter-Final
Football

England's Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory Captivates 7.4 Million Viewers in Euro 2025 Quarter-Final

England's dramatic penalty shootout win against Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-final drew a peak TV audience of 7.4 million, setting up a semi-final clash with Italy.

FA's New Policy on Transgender Men in Football: Safety and Inclusion at the Forefront
Football

FA's New Policy on Transgender Men in Football: Safety and Inclusion at the Forefront

The FA introduces new requirements for transgender men in football, focusing on safety and legal compliance following the UK Supreme Court ruling.

Ederson Reaffirms Commitment to Manchester City Amid Transfer Rumors
Football

Ederson Reaffirms Commitment to Manchester City Amid Transfer Rumors

Ederson dismisses transfer rumors, reaffirms his future at Manchester City, and discusses his contributions to the club's success.

Gabriel Vows Arsenal's Redemption: A New Era of Triumph After Title Slips
Football

Gabriel Vows Arsenal's Redemption: A New Era of Triumph After Title Slips

Gabriel Magalhaes believes Arsenal is poised for a transformative season, aiming to reclaim lost titles with strategic signings and renewed focus.

Sean Longstaff Transfers to Leeds United: A New Chapter Begins
Football

Sean Longstaff Transfers to Leeds United: A New Chapter Begins

Sean Longstaff joins Leeds United from Newcastle in a £12m deal, marking a significant shift in his football career.

Premier League Transfer Frenzy: Record Spending with 50 Days Left
Football

Premier League Transfer Frenzy: Record Spending with 50 Days Left

With 50 days left in the Premier League transfer window, clubs have already surpassed £1bn in spending, setting a new record for this stage of the summer.

Manchester United Aims to Host the 2035 Women's World Cup Final in New £2bn Stadium
Football

Manchester United Aims to Host the 2035 Women's World Cup Final in New £2bn Stadium

Manchester United plans to host the 2035 Women's World Cup final in their new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium, aiming to create a landmark venue for global football.

Nottingham Forest Secures Brazilian Sensation Igor Jesus for Premier League Comeback
Football

Nottingham Forest Secures Brazilian Sensation Igor Jesus for Premier League Comeback

Nottingham Forest boosts their squad with Brazilian striker Igor Jesus, aiming for a strong Premier League season and European competition return.

Galatasaray's Bold Move for Ederson: Premier League Transfer Buzz
Football

Galatasaray's Bold Move for Ederson: Premier League Transfer Buzz

Galatasaray targets Manchester City's Ederson, sparking a flurry of Premier League transfer activities.

Newcastle United Eyes Giorgio Scalvini: Key Transfer Targets and Deadline Drama
Football

Newcastle United Eyes Giorgio Scalvini: Key Transfer Targets and Deadline Drama

Newcastle United targets Giorgio Scalvini as their top defensive transfer, while Mikel Arteta sets a deadline for Arsenal's striker deal and Barcelona eyes Luis Diaz.

Ivan Dolcek: The Fearless Winger Boosts Dundee United's Ambitions
Football

Ivan Dolcek: The Fearless Winger Boosts Dundee United's Ambitions

Ivan Dolcek joins Dundee United on loan, bringing his fearless ball-carrying skills and technical prowess to the Scottish Premiership.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.