Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a leaked social media video.
The FA’s charge, under Rule E3.1, alleges improper and abusive conduct, with reference to Klopp’s nationality considered an “aggravated” breach.
Coote, 42, was suspended in November 2024 and subsequently sacked by the PGMOL.
While cleared of gambling misconduct claims, this FA charge follows a UEFA ban until June 2026 after a video showed him sniffing white powder at Euro 2024.
In January, Coote publicly revealed he is gay and had overcome a drug habit.
Despite no longer being in football, the FA has jurisdiction as the comments were made while he was involved in the game. An independent commission will now determine his punishment.
