Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended immediately pending a full investigation into alleged derogatory remarks about Liverpool and its former manager, Jürgen Klopp.
According to the BBC, a video surfaced showing Coote making the controversial comments. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed Coote's suspension.
PGMOL stated that the suspension takes "immediate effect" pending the investigation. The organization will "withhold further comment until its investigation concludes."
Coote, a Premier League referee since 2018, officiated Liverpool's 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday. The controversy surrounds an unverified video referencing a 2020 match between Liverpool and Burnley, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp criticized Coote's performance in that game.
Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano reported, "Official: PL referee David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation."
The authenticity and timing of the video have not been confirmed by 9jaOnline Magazine. The investigation is ongoing, and Coote's future as a Premier League referee hangs in the balance.
This development has sparked attention in the football community, with many awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
