Former elite referee Mark Clattenburg has dismissed the global reaction to David Coote's leaked video insulting Jurgen Klopp as overblown, comparing the incident to "bantering in a pub".
Speaking on the podcast Whistleblowers, Clattenburg suggested the controversy surrounding the video, which appeared to show an intoxicated Coote calling the former Liverpool manager a "****", was excessive.
"Forget the Liverpool stuff - that's bantering in a pub. I have been guilty of it with friends in the past," Clattenburg told co-hosts Gordon Smart and Ian Ladyman.
The world-renowned referee, who officiated nearly 400 Premier League matches and the 2016 Champions League final, expressed sympathy for Coote's situation.
Mark Clattenburg defended David Coote, though admitted he should have lost his job
PA
Clattenburg maintained that Coote's dismissal by PGMOL was justified, but not for the Klopp video.
"No because if he had a problem with drugs, he should have gone to them for support," he stated.
"I am not sure that was a career-ending moment for him. It was the drug issue, certainly in high-profile matches."
The veteran referee highlighted the challenges facing modern officials, noting that "not enough is done to protect referees from the pressures of the game at the highest level".
He acknowledged how social dynamics have shifted, saying: "Unfortunately, now, with recording devices and stuff, the world's changed."
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Co-host Ladyman offered a contrasting perspective, arguing that whilst he shared Clattenburg's sympathy for Coote, the video did the "whole refereeing community a huge disservice".
"So many people out there in the weird world we live in now are conspiracy theorists," Ladyman said.
"Football supporters these days are convinced that referees are genuinely acting against their club. What Coote did played to that.
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A video of David Coote criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp emerged on social media last year
X"It gave substance to the lunatic fringe and their theories - it gave them credibility."
Coote was sacked by the PGMOL over a series of leaked videos that emerged last year.
Doorbell footage originally shared by The Sun showed him working as a delivery driver as he serves out his 16-month suspension from football.
The original Klopp video was allegedly recorded back in 2020 after Liverpool's controversial 1-1 draw against Burnley.
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PAThe match saw Andy Robertson angrily confront the English referee after not being awarded a penalty.
Clattenburg reflected on the difficulties referees face in social situations.
"As a referee, if you don't speak a little bit - they call you arrogant," he said.
"When you're out, you always try to manage situations - people are always asking what such and such is like."
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