Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty after he was charged with making an indecent video of a child.
The 43-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning for the first hearing.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and enter his plea during the hearing, which lasted 18 minutes.
Coote is accused of making an indecent video of a child on January 2, 2020. The charge came following a probe by Nottinghamshire Police, with the allegation relating to a video recovered in February.
David Coote has plead not guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court
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He has been granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on October 9.
The man from Newark in Nottinghamshire was fired after he went on a sensational X-rated rant about the former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
He was removed from his position in November after footage emerged on social media showing the disgraced referee calling Klopp a “German c***” and calling Liverpool “s**t."
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In the video, he went on to say: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown...
"...he accused me of lying and then had a right f*****g pop of me.
"I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant.
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Jurgen Klopp and David Coote clashed in 2020
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"I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is all right, I get on with him.
"You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f**k me."
Coote has not denied the authenticity of the video but claims he “does not recall” making it.
The official has serious bad blood with Klopp, who left Anfield in 2024. The pair clashed after Liverpool and Burnley drew 1-1 at Anfield in July 2020.
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The comments made by the referee drew criticism from many, who questioned his impartiality and suitability to referee in England’s top flight again.
The 43-year-old was fired by the referee governing body PGMOL and has been banned by UEFA until next June.
A statement said Coote’s actions were in serious breach of his contract.
David Coote will return to court in October
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It read: "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.
"David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.
"Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare."
Coote will now prepare for his return to Nottingham Magistrates' court on October 9.