FA Charges Former Referee David Coote

David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has been officially charged by the Football Association following a controversial video that surfaced online in late 2024. The video, filmed in 2020 but leaked years later, captured Coote making offensive and discriminatory remarks about then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

The FA alleges that Coote “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words” in breach of Rule E3.1. It further states that his reference to Klopp’s nationality constitutes an “Aggravated Breach” under Rule E3.2.

The video in question, reportedly filmed during the 2020-21 season, shows Coote describing a match in which he officiated Klopp's Liverpool against Burnley during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The comments led to Coote’s suspension in November 2024, with his dismissal confirmed the following month by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which called his position “untenable.”

This latest charge follows a turbulent period for the 42-year-old. Coote was banned by UEFA in February until June 30, 2026, after another video appeared to show him snorting a white powder while in Paris during UEFA Euro 2024. UEFA cited a breach of “basic rules of decent conduct” and determined that Coote had brought both the sport and UEFA “into disrepute.”

Adding to the saga were earlier gambling-related allegations. Coote was accused of discussing a yellow card with a Leeds United fan ahead of a 2019 match against West Bromwich Albion, and reportedly messaged the fan afterward saying: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.” However, after a full investigation, the FA found no evidence of wrongdoing and will not pursue gambling charges. Coote had labelled those allegations as “false and defamatory.”

Although Coote is no longer active within the game, the FA retains jurisdiction over the case because the remarks became public while he was still under its governance. However, any future misconduct while outside football’s framework would fall outside FA authority.

The case will be overseen by an independent regulatory commission, which will determine any sanctions should Coote accept the charge or be found in breach. If found guilty, a financial penalty is the most likely outcome. Should a fine be issued and left unpaid beyond the specified deadline, Coote could face additional consequences including a 25% surcharge or a full suspension from football-related activity if the fine remains unpaid after 35 days.

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