David Coote facing highly unusual FA charge for use of word ‘German’ in furious Jurgen Klopp tirade
REFEREE David Coote may face an unusual FA charge due to “reference to nationality” during his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
A shocking clip, which appears to be at least two years old, emerged showing Coote, 42, branding Klopp, 57, a ” German c**t” and Liverpool as “s**t”.
Within a couple of hours of it first being circulated publicly, it was announced the ref had been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation” by the PGMOL.
According to The Times, the FA will make their own separate probe for the use of the word “German” and that could lead to an aggravated misconduct charge.
That is because references to a person’s nationality can lead to stiffer sanctions.
FA rules state that an “aggravated breach” includes a reference “whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality”.
An FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating.”
SunSport understands Coote “cannot recall” abusing Klopp in the video rant that seems certain to end his refereeing career.
But the Nottinghamshire official is not denying the accuracy of the footage.
In the video circulated online, Coote also said: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f*****g pop of me.
“I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant.
“So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is alright, I get on with him.
“You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my God, German c**t, f**k me.”