Referee who abused Klopp on video sacked by EPL

Referee David Coote has been sacked following the emergence of a video where he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the governing body for Premier League officials, confirmed the termination of the 42-year-old Nottinghamshire official's employment on Monday.

A thorough investigation had concluded he was "in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable", "a statement said.

"Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare," PGMOL added.

Coote can appeal the decision.

The video which triggered PGMOL's investigation into Coote's conduct first came to public attention on November 11.

In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and responds with a series of obscene remarks about Klopp, some of them referencing his German nationality.

The Football Association opened its own investigation into the video, understood to be centred on whether the latter aspect constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. That investigation remains ongoing.

The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote's contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament.

European football's governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.

The FA are also investigating allegations - strenuously denied by Coote - that he discussed booking a player, who he subsequently cautioned, the day before a game.