On June 17, 2025, the Football Association (FA) formally charged ex-Premier League referee David Coote over comments he made about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The charges stem from a privately recorded video dating back to July 2020, which went viral in November 2024. In it, Coote reportedly referred to Klopp as a “German c***” and insulted him as “arrogant” while serving as a fourth official during a Liverpool match,.
The FA alleges his remarks breached Rule E3.1—improper conduct involving abusive or insulting language—and further deem the incident an “Aggravated Breach” under Rule E3.2, due to references to nationality.
Background: Suspension, Sacking, and UEFA Ban
Reactions unfolded rapidly after the video emerged in late 2024. In November, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) suspended Coote and launched an internal investigation. In December, he was sacked for bringing the game into disrepute. In February 2025, UEFA banned him from officiating in European competitions until June 2026 after footage appeared to show him using a white powder during Euro 2024.
Following the FA’s action, Coote now faces an internal charge; his only remaining official ban is from UEFA competitions.
FA Investigation Outcomes: Gambling Allegation Cleared
Coote had also been previously investigated for allegedly arranging a yellow card during an October 2019 Championship match to aid a friend’s bet. At the time, he denied the accusation. In this current round of FA charges, no gambling-related misconduct charges were included—indicating the FA found no basis for those allegations.
Coote’s Apology and Personal Admission
Coote, aged 42, issued an apology in the wake of the video’s fallout, acknowledging the deeply offensive nature of his language and stating he felt “ashamed”. Earlier this year, Coote publicly came out as gay, attributing part of his inappropriate behavior to struggles with his sexuality and associated self-esteem issues . He revealed in a tearful interview with The Sun that fear of discrimination led him to disguise his identity, which he said contributed to emotional turmoil and poor decisions.
Regulatory and Career Fallout
The FA Process
Under FA Rule E3, referees are barred from conduct that damages football’s reputation. An Aggravated Breach—including insults based on nationality—carries significantly harsher penalties. As charges are now filed, Coote is entitled to a disciplinary hearing where he can contest the allegations. A guilty verdict could result in a multi-year ban or a lifetime prohibition.
UEFA Ban
Coote’s UEFA ban remains separate and mandated through June 2026. Pending the outcome of FA proceedings, he may also be barred from involvement in any FA-sanctioned matches—making any return to elite-level officiating unlikely .
Broader Repercussions
This is one of football’s most serious officiating scandals in years, highlighting ongoing issues in referee conduct and governance. The FA’s decisive action demonstrates organizational intolerance for misbehavior, even when recorded privately.
Public and Media Reactions
Major outlets like Reuters, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and AP News have widely covered Coote’s case, reflecting its significance. The Sun’s release of the white powder video and prior gambling allegations intensified the scrutin.
Public viewings show a mix of condemnation and sympathy: while many applaud the FA’s enforcement, Coote’s public disclosure of personal struggles—with sexuality and mental health—has generated a degree of empathy.
What Lies Ahead: Hearing and Potential Outcomes
Coote’s upcoming disciplinary hearing will be critical. The FA is expected to gather evidence, including the viral video and possibly witness statements. Decisions could include sustained bans or stipulations on future conduct, mental health monitoring, or behavioral treatment.
If cleared, a return to refereeing—even at non-top tiers—remains doubtful. Should a ban be imposed, Coote could appeal internally, and further sanctions may follow from UEFA or FIFA.
Conclusion
The FA’s decision to charge David Coote for abusive language toward Jürgen Klopp, referencing nationality, marks a pivotal moment in holding referees accountable. This case highlights systemic lapses and emphasizes the need for integrity and professionalism—on public fields and private settings alike. The coming disciplinary proceedings will test the FA’s disciplinary framework and likely shape future governance of match officials.
