Coote ‘hoping to return to refereeing’ despite Klopp comments charge – Exclusive
Jurgen Klopp has still hit Premier League headlines in recent months, following the fallout of David Coote’s refereeing controversy.
Coote initially came under fire for comments he made about Klopp during the German’s tenure at Anfield, and went on to receive further criticism for other alleged off-the-field offences.
The referee was banned by UEFA until 2026 for some of his behaviour and now he is facing further punishment.
Keith Hackett envisages Coote return to refereeing
The FA have now provided an update in their actions against Coote and, although the allegations of gambling have been cleared, the FA have charged him over his Klopp comments.
The 42-year-old has been charged because of his reference to Klopp’s nationality in one of his digs against the former Liverpool boss.
The comment has been judged as an aggravated breach of FA rule 3.2 because of the reference to Klopp’s nationality, a use of abusive and insulting language.
Although the charge would suggest that Coote’s time in refereeing has come to an end, ex-FIFA referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett reckons he could be looking for an eventual return to the game.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Hackett said: “Clearly David Coote has maintained his referee registration with the FA, leaving me with the impression that if this is the case, he will be hoping to return to refereeing after his UEFA Suspension.
“It also indicates that his contract with the PGMOL has not been cancelled. I make those assumptions on the basis that the FA must still hold his registration.
“Obviously, the Regulatory Panel will review the matter and I would recommend that David Coote attends this hearing alongside either a union lawyer or his own lawyer if his intention is to defend the charge.”
Liverpool looking forward in the Premier League
Although Coote is going to be forced to revisit the past as he faces his FA charge, Liverpool are very much in the mindset of looking forward.
Arne Slot had a perfect start to life at Anfield, leading his side to lift the Premier League trophy and he will be hoping to achieve the same success again next term.
| Played | Won | Drew | Lost |
| 38 | 25 | 9 | 4 |
The Dutchman has wasted no time in getting going with his summer transfer business with Jeremie Frimpong signed and a deal for Florian Wirtz soon to be completed.
Slot still has plenty to show and the future should be incredibly exciting on Merseyside.
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