PGMOL release new statement on David Coote after alleged Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp rant

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has suspended David Coote with immediate effect amid an investigation into a video circulating on social media - while the Premier League referee denies inappropriate conduct.

The video appears to show a man with a striking resemblance to Coote deliver an expletive-laden rant about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. In the footage, the male can be heard calling Liverpool "s***" while calling Klopp a "c***". It is unclear when the video was made or how it came into circulation, and it has not been verified.

Coote vehemently denies inappropriate conduct and has been insistent to referee chiefs PGMOL that viral video in which he appears is not genuine. PGMOL have tech experts examining it, it is understood.

Asked for his opinion of Klopp by the recorder of the footage, the man in question appears to say: "A c**t, an absolute (unintelligible). Aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown, when he accused me of lying the just had a right f***ing pop at me.

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"I've got no interest in speaking to somebody who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. (James) Milner is all right. But, my God, a German c***t, f*** me."

A photograph on a phone seemingly to depict Klopp, Milner and an official is at one stage shown to the camera. A second video appears to show the man saying: "Just to be clear, that last f***ing video can't go anywhere, seriously."

A statement from PGMOL said: "David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete."

The FA and Liverpool have both been approached for comment.

Coote officiated Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. The last Manchester United game he presided over was the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on October 27, in which a controversial stoppage-time penalty was awarded and converted.

Coote was told by VAR Michael Oliver to give a penalty to the Hammers after judging Matthijs De Ligt to have fouled Danny Ings. Coote had initially waved away protests at the time of the incident.

The 42-year-old also officiated United's goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on September 21. Coote, a member of the Nottinghamshire Football Association, has refereed United on 10 occasions, including the 2023 League Cup final win over Newcastle United.