David Coote slapped with two-month ban after video blasting Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 12/08/2025

- 12:57

Updated: 12/08/2025

- 13:14

The referee was seen working as an Evri driver

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been given an eight-week suspension and told to attend an education programme over abusive words he used about ex-Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp.

Coote was charged by the Football Association in June after the comments about Klopp came to light in a video circulated on social media last November.


The FA said he had subsequently admitted the charge.

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Coote’s misconduct was defined as an aggravated breach under the FA’s rules because there was a reference to Klopp’s nationality.

David Coote

David Coote has been banned for two months

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Getty

Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last December, a month after the video filmed in July 2020 came to light.

In the clip, he took aim at Klopp - calling the former Liverpool boss a 'German c**t'.

The 42-year-old was seen working as a courier for Evri in the Newark area, where he resides, whilst serving a UEFA suspension that runs until June next year.

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A local resident discovered the disgraced official at their doorstep via Ring doorbell footage when he delivered a vehicle part to their property.

"I'm just trying to make an honest living," Coote revealed, acknowledging his delivery work represents a temporary measure rather than a permanent career change.

He explained that the courier position helps him stay "busy and occupied" as he attempts to move forward with his life following his dismissal from elite refereeing.

The leaked footage showed Coote using an expletive to describe Klopp whilst referencing his German heritage, sparking widespread condemnation across football.

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David Coote

David Coote is also serving a 16-month ban by UEFA

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Getty

Additional video evidence subsequently emerged depicting the referee consuming cocaine during the European Championships last summer.

The homeowner who received a delivery from Coote expressed surprise at encountering the former official, noting her husband's support for Liverpool made the situation particularly awkward.

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"He's delivering packages now," she told The Sun, adding that whilst she frequently spots him around their local area, she believes his current predicament resulted from his own actions.

Coote has expressed deep regret about his drug use, describing it as occurring "on an entirely ad-hoc basis" and acknowledging the profound shame he feels about his choices.

David Coote Jurgen Klopp

David Coote branded Jurgen Klopp a 'German c**t' in the viral video

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PA

Despite his professional downfall, he recently participated in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, raising funds for his uncle Mick who suffers from motor neurone disease.

"I'm doing what I want to do, focusing on what's important like spending more time with friends and family," he stated.

Associates remain supportive, with one friend describing him as someone who "lost his career through stupidity" but suggesting football might benefit from his expertise in future.