LONDON: Premier League referee David Coote was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) referees’ body on Monday pending a full investigation after a video circulated on social media showing the official allegedly abusing Liverpool and former manager Juergen Klopp.

The video allegedly shows Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and German Klopp who left Anfield in the month of May.

The video has not been verified by Reuters news agency, it is unclear when it was filmed or its authenticity.

“David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete,” PGMOL said in a statement.

Liverpool, who won the Premier League title under Klopp in 2019-20 season, are aware of the video that has been widely circulated on social media but the club will not comment in light of the investigation by PGMOL.

The 42-year-old Coote refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday. He has been a match official in the Premier League since 2018.

The video seems to refer to a league game Coote refereed between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020 which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Klopp, who joined Liverpool in 2015, publicly criticised Coote after the match, accusing him of not penalising tackles made on Liverpool’s players.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...