The English Football Association has launched an investigation into Premier League referee David Coote after his suspension by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited for allegedly making abusive comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The incident reportedly involves a video, which is yet to be verified, that allegedly shows Coote expressing derogatory remarks towards the Anfield club and Klopp, who left the club at the end of last season.
In a statement on Monday, the FA said they are “aware of the matter and are investigating it.” Coote, 42, became a match official in 2018 and has refereed several Premier League matches, including six Liverpool games this season. In response to the allegations, the PGMOL-an independent body in charge of officiating in the Premier League-immediately suspended Coote pending a full investigation, casting doubt over his refereeing future pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Most recently, Coote officiated the match between Liverpool and Aston Villa last Saturday, with the Reds coming out 2-0 winners. The development constitutes a part of increasing scrutiny on the standard of, and conduct of, officiating in the Premier League, as the FA and PGMOL have begun to adopt zero tolerance for unprofessional behavior in the ranks.
