FA Charges Former Referee David Coote for "Aggravated" Remarks About Klopp

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been officially charged by the Football Association (FA) for making “abusive and improper” remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a leaked video that surfaced in late 2024.

The FA announced that Coote’s comments violated Rule E3.1, which governs misconduct including the use of insulting language. The governing body also categorized his references to Klopp’s nationality as an “aggravated breach,” adding a serious dimension to the charge.

Video Fallout and Career Consequences

The controversial video first circulated on social media in November 2024, showing Coote making disrespectful comments about Klopp’s background and heritage. Shortly afterward, the Premier League’s refereeing body, PGMOL, suspended Coote and launched an internal investigation.

By December 2024, Coote was formally dismissed from his role following the findings of that review. The FA’s new charges signal a continuation of disciplinary action over the incident, which drew condemnation from fans and professionals across the football world.

Gambling Rumors Denied, No Charges Filed

Coote was not charged with any gambling-related offenses, despite online speculation linking him to pre-match betting activity. Specifically, rumors had circulated that he mentioned issuing a yellow card to a player in advance of a fixture — a claim Coote has firmly denied, calling it “false and defamatory.”

UEFA Ban and Separate Substance Allegations

In February 2025, UEFA issued Coote a temporary ban through June 30, 2026, after a separate video from Euro 2024 appeared to show him sniffing a white powder during a matchday event. The incident sparked widespread criticism and prompted immediate action from European football authorities.

Personal Struggles and Public Disclosure

In January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay, revealing that he had hidden his sexuality for years due to fear of abuse and discrimination within football. He also acknowledged struggling with substance addiction, though he stated he has been in recovery with the aid of therapy.

What’s Next?

The FA has not yet set a date for Coote’s hearing but is expected to proceed with formal disciplinary proceedings. Given the serious nature of the aggravated charge, penalties could range from fines to lifetime bans from FA-affiliated roles.

As English football continues to navigate issues of integrity, inclusivity, and accountability, the Coote case serves as a high-profile example of the pressures — and consequences — tied to public conduct in the modern game.