David Coote's X-rated rant: Suspended referee's past Liverpool shockers surface; fans say Taylor, Oliver next
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 12, 2024, 10:25 AM ISTLiverpool fans are in uproar after Premier League referee David Coote was suspended following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly makes derogatory comments about Liverpool Football Club and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool fans are in uproar after Premier League referee David Coote was suspended following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly makes derogatory comments about Liverpool Football Club and former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video, unverified but widely shared on social media, appears to show Coote using offensive language to describe Klopp, including calling him an "absolute c***."
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing in English football, has suspended Coote with immediate effect, pending a full investigation. In a brief statement, PGMOL announced that "David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation," and declined to comment further until the investigation concludes.
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The emergence of the video has intensified scrutiny on Coote’s past officiating of Liverpool matches, where he has faced criticism for contentious decisions impacting the club. Liverpool fans have been quick to point out what they view as a longstanding history of questionable calls, sparking anger over the perception of bias against their team.
David coote ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/WDHc36a7Mn
— Josh (@Josh97LFC)David Coote's controversial decisions against Liverpool
Several of Coote's decisions in Liverpool matches have been highlighted as evidence of inconsistency. Key incidents include:
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Denied Origi Foul (2019): During Liverpool’s title-winning season, Coote was on VAR duty for their match against Manchester United. Despite what appeared to be a clear foul on Liverpool’s Divock Origi in the build-up to Marcus Rashford’s goal, Coote allowed the goal to stand, much to Klopp's frustration. The match ended 1-1, and Klopp criticized the decision as emblematic of "all the problems with VAR."
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Penalty Controversy Against Burnley (2020): As the on-field referee, Coote denied what Liverpool’s Andy Robertson argued was a clear penalty in a 1-1 draw with Burnley. Robertson’s furious post-match comments underscored the frustration within the Liverpool camp, questioning Coote’s decisions and the use of VAR.
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Van Dijk Injury Incident (2020): In one of the most infamous episodes involving Coote, he was on VAR duty during the Merseyside derby when Everton's Jordan Pickford made a dangerous tackle on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, sidelining the Dutch defender for the season. Reports later suggested Coote failed to consider the challenge for a red card, saying he "forgot" to check, which only deepened the frustration for Liverpool.
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Missed Arsenal Handball (2023): Liverpool’s title challenge last season saw Coote embroiled in controversy when he failed to award a penalty for what appeared to be a clear handball by Arsenal's Martin Odegaard. The decision was later admitted by PGMOL Chief Howard Webb to be a mistake, yet the match ultimately ended 1-1, impacting Liverpool’s title hopes.
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Salah Dragged Down vs. Aston Villa (2024): In a recent clash with Aston Villa, Coote opted not to punish Leon Bailey for an apparent foul on Mohamed Salah. Liverpool went on to win thanks to a Darwin Núñez goal, yet fans saw it as another sign of bias or incompetence.
This is some of David Coote's horrific bias against Liverpool, JUST LAST SEASON.... 😬😬
pic.twitter.com/MpyXUuEbgo
David Coote was on VAR when:
• Pickford should have been sent off for the season ending challenge on Van Dijk in 2020.
• When Origi was fouled against United in 2019, which led to a goal.
• Odegaard’s blatant handball in the box in December.
Corruption. Plain and simple. pic.twitter.com/smboOxN9ds
Just a reminder David Coote did not give this as a foul, for a last man foul. pic.twitter.com/PojwED4Gj4
— Samuel (@SamueILFC)David Coote pic.twitter.com/AhI52sMmpL
— LiverpoolFF (@LiverpoolFF)Fans demand action against Anthony Taylor, Michael Oliver and other EPL referees
Liverpool have declined to comment on Coote’s suspension, and while the video’s authenticity has yet to be confirmed, the allegations of unprofessional language have raised questions about impartiality within the refereeing body. The PGMOL has faced criticism for the transparency of its disciplinary actions, and Coote’s suspension has only added to the calls for reform.
For Liverpool fans, Coote’s alleged comments are not merely offensive but indicative of what they see as a broader issue of bias and inconsistency within the officiating ranks. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Coote and PGMOL, with calls among football fans growing louder for accountability and change in Premier League officiating. Referees like Michael Oliver, Anthony Taylor are among others who have been called out for their alleged biases.
"Isn't the only referee (Coote) who will make decisions based on his liking or disliking of a team or managers. Look at Oliver and any team belonging to the City group. Football is dying and the PGMOL is a massive part of why," remarked one fan.
"How’s Anthony Taylor still walking free?" remarked another enraged fan.
Another irked user remarked, "Suspend all your refs, they are all the same."
Here's a look at some of the reactions of Liverpool and other football fans following David Coote's suspension:
Unforgivable crimes of David Coote.
Sack him and ban him from football for life. pic.twitter.com/4zHSD0t67k
Suspend all the referees in the Premier League
— RISS (@afc_RISS)No place in this game just these referees have pure corruption and have their favourites it’s a disgrace.
— 🥤𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 (@AfcBanks_)I detest that guy, Anthony Taylor, Michael Oliver should follow
— Triple M (@Tripple____M)Liverpool fans are getting an innocent man to lose his Job. The referees are unbiased and professional. This is a shame
— Ebuka (@EbukaMeansGreat)His time is near as well. One after the other, biased referees like him will be investigated and sanctioned accordingly pic.twitter.com/JVpDhYqF2W
— MOSH (@mosh_cfc)Hopefully just the beginning. We need a revamp sooner than later
— P™ (@SemperFiArsenal)Just the tip of the iceberg. Bunch of biased clowns.
— Chelsea Fan Accountability (@CFCAccountable)Not just him
All of them should be investigated
Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor next please.. In fact, just disband PGMOL and bring in European refs x
— Emma (@WhatTheForkLads)Antony Taylor and Oliver next
— OB (@CFC_OBED)Time to bring in some foreign unbiased referees
— george (@StokeyyG2)Anthony Taylor next Insha Allah🙏🏽
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 (@TheMahleek)But Michael Oliver is allowed to be paid insane amounts of money by City’s owners to ref Saudi games? Seems fair
— 💎 (@BioIogist)
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