Who is David Coote, the referee implicated in supposed X-rated rant at Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp?

When match officials hit the headlines, it’s often for the wrong reasons, although usually as a result of mistakes made on the field of play. On this occasion, however, Premier League referee David Coote has gone viral as a result of an astonishing leaked video which appears to show him launching into an X-rated rant at Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.

As is often the case nowadays, social media users - in their disbelief - have questioned whether the clip is real or not, and whether artificial intelligence has somehow got its hands on it.

Coote suspended after leaked video goes viral

The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has issued a brief statement revealing Coote has been suspended with immediate effect as they launch an investigation into the matter: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”

As yet video experts have not had the time to confirm its authenticity or adjudge whether artificial intelligence (AI) was indeed used.

Who is David Coote?

42-year-old Coote, who hails from Nottinghamshire in the English Midlands, became a Football League referee in 2010, which saw him take charge of matches in the English Championship, League One and League Two.

In April 2018, he officiated in the Premier League for the first time, overseeing West Bromwich Albion’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. He was then permanently promoted to the English top flight before the start of the 2018/19 season.

Since then, he has been the man in the middle for 112 Premier League Games, in which he has shown 439 yellow cards (3.9 per fixture) and sent off 13 players (seven second yellow cards, six straight red cards).

In 2024/25, Coote has taken charge of six Premier League Games, the most recent of which was - ironically - Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday (November 9).

Why does David Coote “hate” Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool?

Assuming the footage is genuine, Coote’s gripe with Liverpool is related to incidents which took place in an unnamed match, seemingly in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, in which he acted as fourth official.

“Liverpool were s**t,” the man appearing to be Coote begins, later calling Klopp a “German c**t* when asked by the second man filming. “He accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me, and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody who’s f***ing arrogant”.

In a separate clip, the speaker appears to realise his comments could get him into serious trouble: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video can’t go anywhere, seriously”.

A number of commenters online have claimed Coote is a fan of Manchester United, Liverpool’s biggest rivals. However, that has never been confirmed, and the fact he is allowed to officiate the Red Devils’ Premier League games would suggest that is not the case.

The PGMOL have previously stated the official is a supporter of League Two team Notts County, which prevents him refereeing their matches and those of Nottingham Forest, their city rivals.