The Football Association (FA) has officially charged former Premier League referee David Coote over an expletive-laden rant directed at former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, following the emergence of a leaked video on social media.
Coote, who was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024, was seen in the video calling Klopp a “German c*”** and labelling him arrogant, sparking outrage across the football world. The incident reportedly occurred around July 2020, but the footage surfaced publicly in November 2024.
In a statement released by the FA, Coote was charged under FA Rule E3, which pertains to improper conduct and the use of abusive or insulting language. The FA further categorized the charge as an “Aggravated Breach” under Rule E3.2, due to the discriminatory reference to Klopp’s nationality.
“It’s alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words… It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as it included a reference—whether expressed or implied—to nationality,” the FA said.
No charges were brought against Coote regarding separate allegations of betting misconduct, which the FA confirmed had been fully investigated.
The scandal around Coote intensified after another video emerged showing him apparently snorting a white powder. He was also alleged to have sent messages about hosting a “drugs party” before and during a match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and to have discussed issuing a yellow card before officiating a match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.
Coote’s downfall follows a career spanning over a decade in English football. He refereed 112 Premier League games and officiated in the Championship, League One, and League Two. Following his dismissal, he has reportedly taken up work with delivery firm Evri.
In a tearful interview with The Sun earlier this year, Coote came out publicly as gay, opening up about years of emotional struggle and the impact of hiding his sexuality during his career.
“I’ve had issues around my self-esteem… I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he shared. “I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at.”
While the FA has begun disciplinary proceedings over his comments on Klopp, the wider implications of Coote’s conduct—ranging from discriminatory remarks to alleged drug use—have raised serious concerns about integrity within football officiating circles.
The outcome of the FA charge could further shape how football’s governing bodies deal with off-field behaviour and professionalism among match officials.
