### FA Investigates Referee David Coote Following Alleged Disparaging Remarks About Klopp

The Football Association (FA) has initiated an investigation following the emergence of a video purportedly showing Premier League referee David Coote making disparaging comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in English football, suspended Coote immediately after the video surfaced on social media.

In the video, Coote allegedly refers to Klopp using an offensive term related to his nationality. The 42-year-old referee might also face disciplinary measures from the FA if he is found to have breached rules concerning discrimination. An FA spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday that the matter is under investigation.

The footage in question, reportedly recorded on a mobile phone, appears to capture Coote in conversation with an unidentified individual about a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020. Coote, who served as the fourth official for the match, criticizes Liverpool's performance and recounts an incident where Klopp accused him of lying and verbally attacked him.

Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season after nine years at Anfield, has not yet commented publicly on the video or the ensuing investigation by the PGMOL. Liverpool FC also remains silent on the matter.

David Coote has been a Premier League referee since the 2017-18 season and has reached the status of Select One referee, the highest level for referees in the UK. His most recent officiating role was in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend.