David Coote has admitted his regret at comments he made about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp that led to his sacking from the PGMOL. A video of the official making derogatory comments about the German circulated on social media back in November, leading to the 42-year-old’s initial suspension

The PGMOL would launch its own investigation into Coote the same day, with the Premier League soon following suit. Following further allegations against the official, he was sacked in December.

In a video that was seemingly filmed during the lockdown period for coronavirus in 2020, Coote is asked by an unidentified associate what he made of a Liverpool game at which he was recently fourth official. A photo shown later in the video on Coote's phone suggests it was the 7-2 Premier League loss at Aston Villa in October of that year.

READ MORE: 'It was terrible' - Peter Bosz slams his own PSV players as he hits out at Liverpool disrespect

READ MORE: Federico Chiesa breaks silence on lack of game-time and sets record straight on Liverpool future

‌"Liverpool were s***," the video appears to show saying Coote.

And when then asked for his view on Klopp, the reply in the video says: "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, 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."

Coote has now addressed such comments in an interview with Sky Sports, as he admitted his regret at mentioning Klopp’s nationality - revealing he has a German relative himself - and apologised for any offence caused.

“I'm not too sure, If I'm honest,” he replied when asked why it had not been addressed previously. “I'm more than happy to address it.

“And what I did say and I maintain is I said things that I didn't mean and that's the adjective of using the country where Jurgen originates.

“It was not something that I meant and not something that I feel. My grandmother on my mum's side is German and I really regret using, I regret everything that I said but I particularly regret using those words.

“Of course, ultimately I've paid a real price for that (for being recorded making such comments). I've taken responsibility for that from the very outset of course and I understood the seriousness in the first instance immediately as I was made aware of the publication of the video and to that extent I understood and accepted my fate immediately, with the PGMOL as well.

“I want to take ownership of my actions. I think that's important. I want to apologise to those who are offended by what I said and were offended but I want to now try and live my life to the values that are truly me and to the best of my ability moving forward and I want to try and move on from what has been a really difficult time and hope I'm able to do so.”