Details of the Video

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The footage, allegedly dating back to the 2020-21 season, shows Coote in conversation with a man who is recording. Coote appears visibly frustrated as he recalls Klopp’s conduct after a match between Liverpool and Burnley during Project Restart in 2020. He accuses Klopp of being "arrogant" and alludes to a heated exchange in which Klopp allegedly accused him of dishonesty.

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In the video, Coote comments:

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• - “Aside from having a go at me after the Burnley match, he accused me of lying and kept going on about it.”
• - “German [expletive], Liverpool [expletive],” he adds in reference to both Klopp and Liverpool.

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Past Tensions with Liverpool

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This isn’t the first time Coote’s officiating decisions have stirred controversy with Liverpool. He was the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Liverpool’s infamous match against Everton, in which a tackle by Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, injured Virgil van Dijk but went unpunished. Another incident involved a missed handball call in Liverpool's game against Arsenal, which Klopp publicly criticized.

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Coote’s Record with Liverpool

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According to Transfermarkt data, Coote has officiated eight Liverpool games, seven under Klopp’s management. His record includes five wins, one draw, and two losses for Liverpool. Despite Liverpool’s mixed results with Coote, Klopp rarely criticized him publicly, except in cases involving VAR decisions.

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Investigation and Immediate Suspension

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PGMOL, responsible for overseeing professional referees in English football, released a statement saying, “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.” Liverpool has refrained from commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.

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Key Points of Controversy

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Here’s a quick overview of the main aspects fueling this incident:

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• - Coote's past VAR calls: Matches where his VAR decisions affected Liverpool's results.
• - Video content: Harsh language and derogatory remarks about Klopp and Liverpool.
• - Official response: Immediate suspension by PGMOL and a pending investigation.

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What Lies Ahead?

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As the investigation unfolds, Coote’s position as a Premier League referee is uncertain. The results could affect his officiating career and potentially lead to changes in how referees and officials are held accountable for their conduct.