Ex-Referee Coote Banned, Charged over Leaked Videos

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for making abusive and derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a leaked video, which the FA classified as an aggravated breach due to references to Klopp's nationality. Coote was suspended in November 2024 and subsequently sacked in December after the investigation found his position untenable. He was also investigated for allegedly discussing booking a player with a fan and for gambling misconduct, though he was cleared of any betting-related wrongdoing. Separately, UEFA has banned Coote from officiating until June 2026 after a different video allegedly showed him using cocaine during Euro 2024. The incidents have intensified scrutiny on referee conduct and the consequences of leaked private behavior in football. The FA's charges stem from Rule E3, which prohibits improper conduct and abusive or insulting words.