David Coote full transcript as video 'leaked' slamming Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp

Premier League referee David Coote allegedly used derogatory language to describe Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp in a leaked video that emerged on social media.

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) is aware of the clip and has launched an investigation into the matter. It has also revealed that Coote has now been suspended from his duties with "immediate effect" amid the ongoing probe.

The footage, which is purported to show the official from Nottinghamshire speaking with a friend, was reportedly filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The 42-year-old is accused of calling Liverpool "s***", alongside purportedly referring to ex-boss Klopp as a "c***".

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It is claimed that the referee, who officiated as the Reds beat Aston Villa at Anfield at the weekend, made reference to a clash between the Merseysiders and Burnley during lockdown in the video. The referee is also claimed to have held up a picture of himself alongside Klopp and former Liverpool vice-captain James Milner during a game versus Villa in 2020.

Coote, who has refereed in the Premier League since 2018, has also been a regular fixture in the VAR booth at Stockley Park in recent times. The last time he served in that capacity in a game involving Liverpool came as the Reds beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park back in October.

After a probe was launched into the veracity of the video, it remains to be seen whether the clip is the product of AI or deep-fake technology. Below, Liverpool.com has compiled a full transcript of the alleged conversation between Coote and a friend from the video at the center of the investigation.

Full transcript

Man (M): "So, what did you make of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?"

David Coote (DC): "Erm, Liverpool were s***."

M: "What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?"

DC: "Erm, c***. Absolute c***."

M: "Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp was a c***?"

DC: "Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me and I’ve got no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So, I did my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner’s alright! I get on with him."

M: "James Milner, he get’s on with James Milner."

DC: "You can see me there with a mask on."

M: "Mask on, obviously."

DC: "Yeah, COVID, glued on. Social distancing, social distancing, right? We’re two metres apart."

M: "We have to social distance."

DC: "But my god, German c***, f*** me."

M: "Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***. Liverpool are all f***ing b***ends and we hate f***ing Scousers."