Home SPORTS David Coote Handed Eight-Week Ban for Jurgen Klopp Comments

David Coote Handed Eight-Week Ban for Jurgen Klopp Comments

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Ex-Referee David Coote Banned for Insulting Jurgen Klopp


Former referee David Coote faces consequences for insulting Jurgen Klopp, including eight-week ban and mandatory education.


“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...”



Former Premier League referee David Coote has been handed an eight-week ban by the Football Association (FA) for derogatory comments made about Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager. The comments were captured in a video from July 2020 that went viral in November 2024, leading to Coote's dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a thorough investigation deemed his position “untenable.”




Key Details of the Ban

  • Charge and Verdict: Coote was charged with violating FA Rule E3.1 for acting improperly and using abusive language about Klopp, with the incident classified as an “aggravated breach” due to references to Klopp's nationality.
  • Penalty: An eight-week suspension and a mandatory face-to-face education program.
  • UEFA Ban: Coote was also banned by UEFA from any refereeing activity until June 30, 2026, following a separate incident involving alleged cocaine use during Euro 2024.


Coote's Reaction and Context

Admission and Apology: Coote admitted to the charge, expressing deep regret and apologizing to Klopp, the FA, PGMOL, and the wider football community for his actions.

Personal Struggles: Coote publicly came out as gay in January 2025, revealing he had hidden his sexuality during his career due to fear of abuse and linking this to his behavior in the video.

Clearance on Gambling Charges: Coote was cleared of allegations regarding discussing potential yellow card decisions before a match.


“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.”


Coote admitted to the charge and has apologized to Klopp, the FA, and the wider football community for his actions, expressing deep regret for his “crass and inappropriate.” comments.




UEFA Ban and Controversy

In addition to the FA's ban, UEFA has also banned Coote from any refereeing activity until June 30, 2026, following a separate incident where a video emerged showing him allegedly snorting a white powder while on duty at Euro 2024. This ban further solidifies the consequences Coote faces for his actions.


Coote's Explanation and Personal Struggles

Coote has publicly come out as gay, revealing that hiding his sexuality during his career due to fear of abuse contributed to his behavior in the video. He stated that his struggles with self-esteem and hiding his true self led to a ”whole course of behaviors” that ultimately resulted in the controversy.





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