David Coote reportedly ‘cannot recall’ being filmed criticising Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp – but allegedly hasn’t denied the authenticity of the video online that has left his refereeing career hanging by a thread.
The 42-year-old has been suspended by PGMOL in the wake of the footage, which emerged on Monday.
In the clip, a man that appears to be Coote calls Liverpool ‘s**t’.
He was also overheard calling Klopp a ‘c**t’, with supporters from many clubs left appalled.
David Coote reportedly ‘cannot recall’ being filmed criticising Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp – but hasn’t denied the authenticity of the video online that has left his refereeing career hanging by a thread
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According to The Sun, Coote ‘cannot recall’ abusing Klopp.
However, the Premier League referee is also allegedly not denying the accuracy of the footage that has caused such a storm on social media.
It was originally claimed that the official was ‘vehemently doubting’ the legitimacy of the footage amid suggestions that is might have been an AI-generated ‘deep fake’.
Yet it’s claimed Coote has told other officials that the video is him, even if he can’t recall it being filmed.
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“You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c**t, f**k me.”
The report says the saga looks ‘almost certain’ to end with Coote being sacked.
It’s hard to see him continuing his refereeing career, with Liverpool fans convinced that, at least one point, he had a problem with the Merseyside giants.
And former Premier League ref Mark Halsey thinks it will likely end with Coote being relieved of his duties – but only if the footage is indeed authentic, which is yet to be confirmed.
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David Coote has been accused of calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘c**t’ but the authenticity of the footage is yet to be established
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“If it is authentic then he’s got questions to answer, hasn’t he?” he said.
“But when I saw that, I have to say to myself, is that really David Coote? Has he really said that? To be fair, I was shocked when that video circulated on social media.
“Can he come back and referee from this? I have my doubts.
“And I’m shocked that whoever’s posted this video needs sorting big time, because if that was done privately between two of them, then something’s not right, is it? Something’s not right at all.
David Coote has been suspended pending a PGMOL investigation
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“I’m hoping it’s not authentic for David’s sake.
“If it is, then he will need all the support from the PGMOL going forward regarding this matter.”
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