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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Coote charged with improper conduct</li><li>Sanction comes after social media video emerged </li><li>Former referee already serving ban</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Disgraced Premier League referee David Coote slapped with FA charge for comments about Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool

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Liverpool

<p>Coote hit the headlines in 2024 when a video emerged on social media of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/pgmol-video-storm-footage-allegedly-showing-premier-league-referee-david-coote-liverpool-jurgen-klopp-under-investigation/bltae0bbb3dbe3312b2" target="_blank">referee making derogatory comments at Liverpool and then-manager Klopp</a>. Another scandal followed after a second video appeared <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/david-coote-scandal-suspended-referee-allegedly-caught-on-camera-snorting-cocaine-euro-2024-video-derogatory-comments-liverpool-jurgen-klopp/blt18f63ff8dcb9b36c" target="_blank">apparently showing Coote snorting a white powder at Euro 2024</a>. An investigation subsequently ensued which saw <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/premier-league-referee-david-coote-sacked-jurgen-klopp/bltb0206a5a77a2a992#csd11a6ccee77b5bd0" target="_blank">Coote sacked by the PGMOL</a>. Coote has also now been hit with an FA charge for improper conduct but has been cleared of any gambling misconduct following an investigation into allegations he discussed a booking with a fan prior to a match.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/axed-premier-league-referee-david-coote-comes-out-gay-cocaine-escape-route-real-struggles-sexuality-work-schedule/blt5104b2bc9478ac04#csd1d5992b9b2f22a1" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/axed-premier-league-referee-david-coote-comes-out-gay-cocaine-escape-route-real-struggles-sexuality-work-schedule/blt5104b2bc9478ac04#csd1d5992b9b2f22a1" target="_blank">Coote subsequently came out as gay and revealed he took cocaine as an "escape route"</a> due to struggles with his sexuality and the pressure and intensity of being an elite referee. He also claimed he was "not sober" during his rant against Klopp but added he has since managed to kick his drug habit.</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>A statement read: "David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It's alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach,' which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference - whether express or implied - to nationalty. No charges have been issued in relation to allegations of gambling misconduct against David Coote, which were also fully investigated."</p><p><strong></strong></p>

WHAT THE FA SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/david-coote-delivering-parcels-evri-ex-premier-league-referee-honest-living-cocaine-video-jurgen-klopp-insults/bltdec0bd2976e2c99a" target="_blank">Coote has since been spotted delivering parcels for Evri</a> as he tries his hand at a new line of work <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/david-coote-banned-uefa-jurgen-klopp-video-premier-league-sacking/blt64b5fac26a895443#cs76be900ace2ef1d1" target="_blank">after being hit with a ban from football by UEFA</a>. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR COOTE?

Disgraced Premier League referee David Coote slapped with FA charge for comments about Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool | Goal.com

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association for his derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp.

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