‘He’s alright’ – Brighton and ex-Leeds ace dragged into David Coote suspension row

Referee David Coote has been suspended pending an investigation after a video was posted on social media in which he appears to use highly offensive language about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

   It’s unclear when the video was taken or how it got into circulation, and it hasn’t been verified.

   In it, Coote is asked his opinion of the Liverpool game where he was just fourth official and describes him as a “s***”.

   Although he did have kind words for the former Liverpool and Leeds player, born James Milner, who joined Brighton on a free transfer in 2023. Coote is reported to have said: “James Milner is fine, I’ll continue with him. But oh my….”  before another explosive rant against Klopp.

   He then uses an abusive term to describe Klopp and asks him why he felt that way, with Coote saying the German was “pretty mean to me when I beat them against Burnley in Carandown” and accused him of lying.

   “I’m not interested in talking to someone who’s bloody arrogant, so I try not to talk to them,” says Coote.

   Professional Game Match Officials Limited said in a statement: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will not be commenting until this process is complete.”

   Klopp left Liverpool this summer after nearly a decade in charge.    Coote refereed the Reds’ last Premier League game – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night.

   Liverpool are understood to be aware of the footage but do not feel it would be appropriate to comment given the investigation that has been launched.