David Coote charged by FA over abusive Jürgen Klopp comments

David Coote, the former Premier League referee, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for making abusive comments about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. This development follows a series of incidents that began with the release of a video in November 2024, where Coote was seen making derogatory remarks about Klopp. As a result of the controversy, Coote was suspended from his officiating duties by the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in November, and he was subsequently dismissed the following month after another video surfaced, allegedly showing him engaging in behavior that suggested drug use. The FA's charge against Coote cites a breach of Rule E3, which addresses improper conduct and the use of abusive language. The organization has classified the comments as an 'Aggravated Breach' due to the implication of nationality in his remarks, which is a serious violation of FA regulations.

In addition to the charges related to his comments about Klopp, Coote faced scrutiny over allegations of gambling misconduct, specifically claims that he had discussed issuing a yellow card prior to a match. However, the FA has cleared him of these gambling-related allegations, which he vehemently denied, labeling them as "false and defamatory." This incident has further complicated Coote's career, as he was already banned by UEFA from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026. In a previous statement, Coote opened up about personal struggles, citing challenges related to his sexuality as factors that contributed to the poor decisions that ultimately led to his professional downfall. The ongoing situation highlights not only the pressures faced by officials in high-stakes environments but also the significant consequences of their conduct both on and off the field.