Premier League referee David Coote has reportedly acknowledged that the controversial video in which he makes disparaging remarks about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp is authentic.
The clip, presumed to be from a few years back, emerged online on X, previously known as Twitter, this Monday and quickly went viral. In the footage, Coote is seen lounging on a couch while chatting to an individual regarding two separate Liverpool matches.
When queried about his views on the Liverpool game earlier, Coote is heard saying: "Liverpool were s***." He's then asked for his thoughts on Jurgen Klopp, to which he bluntly replies: "C***. Absolute c***."
'I made Liverpool debut at 18 and played for England but now can't find a club' Trent Alexander-Arnold showed true colors with advice to young Liverpool teammateContinuing with his candid revelations, Coote mentions an incident with Klopp during a game versus Burnley amidst the pandemic, "Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying then had a right f****** pop at me."
While Coote recognises the video featuring him is real, it's believed that he doesn't remember the specifics of the conversation that took place years ago, reports the Mirror.
Coote also reflected on another occasion where he worked as the fourth official, stating: "I've got no interest in speaking to someone who's f****** arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner's alright."
In the contentious video, Coote demonstrates a point showing a picture on his phone, remarking: "You can see me there with a mask on. Got to be careful right, we're social distancing, we're two metres apart. But my God, German c***. F*** me."
Towards the end of the recording, Coote implores the recipient of the video to keep it private, adding: "Just to be clear, that f****** last video can't go anywhere. Seriously." The PGMOL and the FA have both confirmed they are looking into the video. Liverpool have been reached out to for a statement.
"David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete," stated the PGMOL.
