Shamed referee David Coote finally discovers FA punishment for abusive Jurgen Klopp rant

Referee David Coote has been handed an eight-week suspension over hisleaked rant on Jurgen Klopp. The official was deemed to have acted in an improper manner in a video that emerged last year of Coote passing commenton the ex-Liverpool boss.

The commission accepted that Coote had presented genuine remorse and did not believe his behaviour was malicious. While, on a personal level, there was sympathy for the official, the commission nevertheless acknowledged he had committed an aggravated breach of the rules.

Coote has already lost his job with PGMOL — he was sacked in December — and has switched careers following the incident. The 42-year-old was spotted working as a courier earlier this year as he looks to get his life back on track.

The ex-Premier League referee has already been handed a 16-month UEFA ban from officiating that will come to an end in June 2026. A further video of the official allegedly snorting white powder was also shared - with the incident alleged to have taken place during the 2024 European Championships.

The FA said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an eight-week suspension and mandatory face-to-face education programme on David Coote for a breach of FA Rule E3.

READ MORE: Crystal Palace release extraordinary response to UEFA decision and aim dig at Premier League rivals

READ MORE: Carlos Baleba transfer: Man Utd given hope after Brighton drop huge hint

"It was alleged that contrary to FA Rule E3.1 the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words about Jurgen Klopp in a video that was recorded around July 2020 and appeared on social media in November 2024.

"It was also alleged that his actions constitute an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as they included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality.

"David Coote subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing."

As part of the hearing, Coote revealed: "He had lost a career that formed the very core of his identity. He had lost all his income and the media attention had deepened his sense of humiliation and despair. He was trying to piece his life back together, from a place of near total collapse."

The banned official oversaw 112 Premier League games and 143 games in the Championship during his career in England. "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life," Coote said earlier this year.

"I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me. I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love.

"I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think. "My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.

"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.

"Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.