FA Bans Ex-Premier League Referee David Coote For Eight Weeks Over Klopp Comments

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned by the Football Association (FA) for eight weeks due to comments he made about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The 42-year-old was dismissed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024 after a video clip filmed around July 2020 surfaced during the UK's first lockdown.

Coote expressed and accepted the remarks made in the video, leading to his suspension and mandatory education programme. Following an investigation, he was officially sacked in January 2025, and UEFA subsequently banned him from officiating in European competitions until June 2026.

Another video showing Coote allegedly sniffing white powder while on duty at Euro 2024 further tarnished his reputation. Coote had previously revealed he was gay and believed speaking out about it led to the Klopp comment incident.

He had also been cleared of gambling misconduct allegations earlier in the year.