David Coote: Shamed Premier League referee hit by FA charges over social media video

David Coote has been charged by the Football Association over his comments about former boss , which emerged in a video leaked on social media. He has been cleared of misconduct related to gambling.

The video, which appears to have been filmed several years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic and was posted on X in November, appears to feature Coote talking to a man while sitting on a sofa. In the footage, he allegedly called Liverpool "s***" and a "German c***".

Coote was immediately suspended by the PGMOL after the video emerged. He was then sacked by the in December, with the PGMOL saying Coote's actions made his position "untenable".

When he was suspended, the FA also launched an investigation into the official's conduct. That investigation has now concluded and has led to Coote being charged with acting in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words.

Because Coote was discussing Klopp's nationality, the FA believe the threshold of an 'aggravated breach' has been met. It will now be up to Coote to either accept or fight the charge.

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An FA statement read: "David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It’s alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

"It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality. No charges have been issued in relation to allegations of gambling misconduct against David Coote, which were also fully investigated."

Coote has been a referee since 2018, having overseen EFL games for eight years before that. He was sacked in December, with PGMOL insisting he had 'seriously breached' his contract.

"David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract," the PGMOL said. "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare."

The video appears to have been filmed the evening after a Liverpool game with the other man asking: "What did you think of the game earlier?"

Coote allegedly responded by saying: "Liverpool were s***." The other man then asked: "What do you think of Jurgen Klopp?" To which Coote replied: "C***. Absolute c***.

"Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against in lockdown, he accused me of lying then had a right f****** pop at me."

Referring to a second match in which he was acting as fourth official, he continued: "I've got no interest in speaking to someone who's f****** arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner's alright.

"You can see me there [in a picture on his phone] with a mask on. Got to careful right, we're social distancing, we're two metres apart. But my God, German c***. F*** me."

Coote then made a plea to whoever was being sent the video to not share it. He added: "Just to be clear, that f****** last video can't go anywhere. Seriously."

Back in January, Coote accepted responsibility for his actions. He said in a statement: "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me.

"I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.

"My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.

"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.

"Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."

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