By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Former Premier League referee David Coote was sanctioned and given an eight-week ban by the Football Association on Tuesday in relation to comments he made about former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp in a video that went viral last year.
Coote had been sacked by English soccer referees’ body PGMOL after a video, recorded in July 2020, circulated on social media showing the official allegedly abusing Klopp and after a full investigation, his position was deemed untenable.
The 43-year-old was charged by the FA in June and an independent Regulatory Commission has now imposed an eight-week suspension and mandatory face-to-face education programme on him. Coote had admitted the charge.
“It was alleged that contrary to FA Rule E3.1 the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words about Jurgen Klopp in a video that was recorded around July 2020 and appeared on social media in November 2024,” the FA said
“It was also alleged that his actions constitute an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as they included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality.”
Europe’s soccer governing body also said Coote was banned from any UEFA refereeing activity until June 2026. Coote has apologised for his actions.
The Sun also published a video which the newspaper said showed Coote appearing to snort white powder during his time working as a match official at Euro 2024 (Reuters)
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The ban was a result of Coote breaching FA Rule E3.1, which prohibits acting in an improper manner or using abusive and/or insulting words. The breach was considered “aggravated” due to Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality, which added to the severity of the punishment
Definition of the ban :
▪️Duration: Eight-week suspension
▪️Reason for ban : Derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp
▪️penalty: Mandatory face-to-face education program
▪️Aggravating factor: Reference to Klopp’s nationality
Coote had accepted the charge and has given shown some remorse for his actions, stating that his words did not reflect his true feelings towards Klopp, for whom he had professional respect. In addition to all these UEFA has also banned Coote from any officiating activity until June 2026 due to a separate incident involving substance use. (Sportsday).
