In a shocking turn of events, former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt is facing an internal investigation by his employer, executive recruitment firm Forsyth Barnes, after a controversial video emerged online showing Kitt alongside Premier League referee David Coote.
The footage, which has quickly gone viral, shows Coote making highly offensive comments about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, calling him a “c—” and “f—— arrogant,” as well as disparaging remarks about Liverpool and its fans. Kitt, who was filmed with Coote, has now been suspended from his role pending further investigation.
The video, which surfaced on social media this Monday, has sent shockwaves through both the football and cricket communities. Kitt, who has been working at Forsyth Barnes since his departure from cricket in 2018, is seen conversing with Coote about a Liverpool match and the team’s manager, Jürgen Klopp. Kitt’s comments at the end of the clip were equally inflammatory, calling Klopp a “c—” and using offensive language to describe Liverpool fans and the city of Liverpool itself. This outburst has put Kitt’s professional career in jeopardy, as Forsyth Barnes, a respected recruitment agency with clients such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, takes the situation very seriously.
The Leaked Video: Coote’s Insults and Kitt’s Role
The leaked footage appears to have been filmed after Liverpool’s humiliating 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa in October 2020. In the video, Kitt can be heard asking Coote for his thoughts on Klopp and the game, to which the referee responds with a series of vulgar insults. Coote, who was serving as the fourth official during the match, dismisses Liverpool’s performance as “s—-” and proceeds to launch a tirade against Klopp. When asked about the German manager, Coote replies with an expletive-laden rant, calling Klopp an “absolute c—” and accusing him of being “f—— arrogant.”
Coote goes on to describe a past interaction with Klopp during a match against Burnley in the 2020 lockdown, where he claims Klopp accused him of lying and verbally attacked him. “I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody who’s f—— arrogant,” Coote says in the video. The comments take an even darker turn as Coote continues to belittle Klopp, referring to him as a “German c—” and expressing frustration over the manager’s attitude.
Ben Kitt’s Involvement and Forsyth Barnes Response
Ben Kitt’s role in the video has placed him under intense scrutiny. Although Kitt is not the one making the majority of the offensive remarks, his presence in the video and the fact that he encourages Coote to continue with the insults has led to significant backlash. In the clip, Kitt appears to agree with Coote’s sentiments and adds his own commentary, dismissing the severity of the situation by claiming, “Let’s not f—— ruin his career. Like, let’s face it, we’re good blokes, but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad.”
Following the leak of the video, Forsyth Barnes has acted swiftly, suspending Kitt from his role at the company. In a statement issued to Telegraph Sport, Roheel Ahmad, the co-founder of Forsyth Barnes, confirmed that Kitt’s suspension was a direct result of the video, which the company is taking very seriously. Ahmad assured the public that the video was filmed several years before Kitt joined the company, but added that the investigation into his conduct was ongoing. “We have suspended Ben on full pay while we investigate further,” Ahmad stated. “Ben has demonstrated a strong work ethic and has matured considerably in his time with us, but we must now determine the full facts before making any final decisions.”
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David Coote Faces Serious Consequences
While Kitt’s future with Forsyth Barnes hangs in the balance, the situation is equally dire for David Coote. The Premier League referee, who has been involved in several controversial incidents over the years, is now facing a full investigation by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL). The body has temporarily suspended Coote from officiating upcoming fixtures while they conduct a thorough inquiry into his conduct. Additionally, the Football Association (FA) has launched its own separate investigation into Coote’s remarks, and it is widely expected that he could face severe disciplinary action if found guilty of breaching professional conduct rules.
Coote’s suspension comes just days after he officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, a match where his performance was reportedly without incident. However, the fallout from the video has overshadowed his recent on-field activities. The leaked footage, which surfaced just days after Coote’s involvement in the Villa game, has put the spotlight firmly on the referee’s off-field behaviour. Reports suggest that Coote’s suspension from PGMOL will extend beyond Premier League fixtures, and he may not be involved in Nations League matches in the coming days.
Kitt and Coote: What Happens Next?
As both Kitt and Coote face investigations, the fallout from this scandal continues to unfold. For Kitt, the video has put his career at Forsyth Barnes at risk, with the company emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Kitt has declined to comment publicly on the video, but sources close to him suggest that he is deeply regretful about his involvement in the incident. Whether he can redeem himself professionally will depend on the outcome of the internal investigation, but the damage to his reputation is undeniable.
As for Coote, the impact of his comments could be far-reaching, not just in terms of his career as a referee, but also in the broader context of football’s efforts to promote professionalism and respect within the sport. The FA and PGMOL are under significant pressure to address the situation appropriately and ensure that such behaviour is not tolerated in the future.
The Fallout: What Does This Mean for Football and Cricket?
This scandal has wider implications, not only for the footballing world but also for Ben Kitt’s background in cricket. Kitt, who played for Nottinghamshire before leaving professional cricket in 2018, has now found himself embroiled in controversy on both sides of his career. His cricketer status, combined with his association with a high-profile recruitment agency, has thrust him into the media spotlight in a way that he may never have anticipated.
The situation is a reminder that actions, even those made in private settings, can have far-reaching consequences in the age of social media. Kitt and Coote’s careless remarks have now become a public issue, and both men face significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their reputations. The coming weeks will be critical as investigations continue, and football and cricket fans alike will be watching closely to see how this scandal is resolved.
What Does This Mean for Football Officials Moving Forward?
As the investigation into Coote’s actions progresses, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility that football officials bear, both on and off the field. The sport has long been committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, and any failure to adhere to these standards can have serious consequences. For the Premier League and PGMOL, this incident underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism and ensuring that all involved in the game are held to the highest ethical standards.
The fallout from this scandal may prompt changes in how referees are trained and monitored, both in their conduct during matches and in their interactions with players, managers, and others within the footballing world. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: the repercussions of this incident will be felt long after the dust has settled.
