Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has weighed in on the controversy surrounding David Coote after shocking footage emerged online in which Coote appears to use offensive language towards then-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The video, which quickly went viral, shows a man alleged to be Coote referring to Klopp as a “German *” and calling him “fing arrogant.” As the footage circulates, the refereeing body, PGMOL, has launched an investigation, leaving Coote’s career in limbo.
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has temporarily suspended Coote while it assesses whether the video is genuine or, as some speculate, an AI-generated deep fake. According to reports from The Mirror, Coote, 42, has acknowledged that the footage is real but claims not to recall the entire conversation.
Peter Walton, who officiated in the Premier League from 2003 to 2012 and now works as a refereeing analyst, shared his thoughts on Coote’s character and behavior. Walton described Coote as professional and level-headed, surprised by the language he allegedly used in the video. “Suspending Coote was the right call,” Walton said, adding that the clip “came as a huge surprise” to him.
In his Times column, Walton explained that, unlike some other referees who might appear more relaxed or “laddish” outside of work, Coote was generally reserved. Walton wrote, “There are some Premier League referees I consider more loose-lipped, but David isn’t one of them. I would have described him as captain sensible, maybe a bit highly-strung.”
Walton shared his limited experiences with Coote at the tail end of his own career, describing Coote as reliable for mid-level Premier League matches. He noted, “You know what to expect from David,” and mentioned Coote’s straightforward style of refereeing. However, Walton expressed concerns about the impact this incident could have on Coote’s career and on referees in general.
The relationship between Klopp and Coote has not always been smooth, as Coote was involved in several contentious moments during Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool. Walton speculated that maintaining composure as a referee is crucial, especially with high-profile figures like Klopp. “Klopp can be a difficult touchline personality,” Walton acknowledged, “but it’s the referee’s duty to remain calm.”
The PGMOL, responsible for officiating standards in England, confirmed Coote’s suspension in a formal statement on Monday evening. “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation,” the statement read. “PGMOL will make no further comment until the process is complete.”
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The viral video shows a man, alleged to be Coote, appearing visibly frustrated as he rants about Liverpool’s style of play and his interactions with Klopp. He reportedly described Liverpool’s performance as “s” and recounted an altercation with Klopp during a Liverpool vs. Burnley match in 2020. “I have no interest in speaking to someone who is fing arrogant,” the man states in the video.
A second clip, reportedly from the same source, features the man saying, “Just to be clear, that last f***ing video cannot go anywhere, seriously.” This statement has only fueled speculation, leaving fans and analysts questioning Coote’s professionalism and whether the footage truly reflects his views.
The Burnley match mentioned in the video was a controversial 1-1 draw in which Liverpool dropped points for the first time that season. During the match, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson was seen confronting Coote after being denied a penalty, resulting in an expletive-laden outburst. “How the f*** is that not a penalty?” Robertson fumed, adding, “What’s the point in having you in the middle?”
Coote, a Premier League referee since 2018, has crossed paths with Klopp on multiple occasions. During a clash between Liverpool and Arsenal last December, Klopp expressed frustration with Coote’s decision-making after Liverpool was denied a penalty. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball in the box, but match referee Chris Kavanagh, supported by Coote in the VAR room, chose not to award a penalty.
After the game, Klopp publicly questioned Coote’s judgment, saying, “How can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe the referee should have another look?” This remark hinted at Klopp’s long-standing doubts about Coote’s officiating decisions.
Howard Webb, PGMOL’s head, later admitted that Coote and Kavanagh had made an error in not awarding Liverpool a penalty in that particular game. This statement from Webb seemed to validate Klopp’s frustrations, yet the friction between the Liverpool manager and Coote persisted.
Coote’s suspension has sparked broader discussions about refereeing standards and the professionalism expected from officials. Walton emphasized that while officials face immense pressure, they must always maintain professionalism, especially with high-stakes games and passionate personalities involved.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the referees’ conduct away from the field and the potential impact that one misstep can have on a career. As PGMOL continues its investigation, the refereeing community and fans alike await the findings, which could set new precedents for handling off-field controversies.
For now, Coote’s future in Premier League officiating remains uncertain. Whether the footage proves to be genuine or not, it has raised questions about referees’ conduct and the measures in place to uphold integrity in one of the world’s most-watched leagues.