A Premier League referee has been suspended after a video appeared to show him making derogatory comments about Liverpool Football Club and their former manager.
In the footage, David Coote uses an expletive to describe former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp left Liverpool in the summer after almost nine years in charge of the Merseyside club.
In the clip, Coote also appears to describe Liverpool FC as “shit”.
Refereeing body the PGMOL said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
In the clip, Coote is described as having been the fourth official during a match involving Liverpool FC.
Asked what he thought of the game, he says: “Liverpool were shit.”
When asked what he thinks of Klopp, he replies: “Erm ****. Absolute ****.”
Asked why he would describe the German manager in that way, he continues: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.
“Then he accused me of lying, then just had a right f****** pop at me. And I’ve got no interest in speaking to someone who is f****** arrogant.
“So I do my best not to speak to him.”
He later suggests that he likes former Liverpool player James Milner – describing him as “alright”.
In a second clip shared online, Coote says: “Just to be clear, that f****** last video can’t go anywhere.”
Another man in the clip says “he’s a Premier League referee” before adding: “Let’s not ruin his career.”
Coote officiated Liverpool’s most recent Premier League game – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night.
He was criticised by some fans after Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was brought down by Aston Villa player Leon Bailey.
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez went on to score after play wasn’t stopped – but a replay showed Coote had chosen not to stop the game because he believed the challenge on Salah wasn’t a foul rather than because he wanted the Reds to keep their advantage.
Current Liverpool manager Arne Slot, far left, looks on as referee David Coote (front right) leaves the pitch after Saturday’s game. Pic: Reuters
Coote also played a part in a controversial decision not to award Liverpool a penalty during their Premier League match against Arsenal in December 2023.
Referee Chris Kavanagh didn’t give a penalty after the ball made contact with Martin Odegaard’s hand in the penalty area.
Coote, as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), confirmed the on-field decision.
However referees’ chief Howard Webb later said this was the wrong call and that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty.
Sky Sports News understands Liverpool are aware of the video circulating, but won’t be commenting while an investigation is under way.