In a startling turn of events, Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended indefinitely following the emergence of videos allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The clips, which surfaced on social media, have sparked outrage and prompted an official investigation by PGMOL, the organization overseeing referees in English football.

The controversial footage reportedly captures Coote, 42, using explicit language to criticize Klopp, referring to him as “f***ing arrogant” and a “German c***.” Although it remains uncertain when the videos were recorded, sources suggest that they were filmed during the 2020-21 season. Notably, Coote has reportedly not disputed his identity in the video.

In a brief statement, PGMOL announced, "David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. We will provide no further comments until the inquiry is complete."

The longer video, recorded in a casual setting, includes Coote discussing his experiences officiating Liverpool matches, particularly mentioning a tense interaction with Klopp during a game against Burnley during the pandemic. "He accused me of lying... I’ve got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f***ing arrogant," Coote can allegedly be heard saying. The video suggests personal grievances have colored Coote's professional judgment regarding the club.

Coote has been officiating at the highest level in the UK since the 2018-19 season, with six Premier League matches under his belt so far this season, including Liverpool’s recent match against Aston Villa, which ended with a 2-0 victory for the Reds.

The relationships between Liverpool and Coote have been rocky, with previous high-profile incidents stirring controversy. Last December, Klopp was aggrieved when Coote, acting as VAR, failed to recommend that the referee review an incident where Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard handled the ball in the penalty area. Klopp accurately predicted that an explanation would be forthcoming, and indeed, referees' chief Howard Webb later acknowledged Coote's mistake, stating, "The game expects a penalty in this situation."

Adding to the scrutiny is Coote's involvement in the controversial Merseyside derby in October 2020, where he was criticized for not taking action against Everton’s Jordan Pickford for a reckless challenge on Liverpool player Virgil van Dijk, resulting in a serious injury.

As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about the standards of professionalism expected from officials in the sport. Liverpool is currently aware of the development but has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation. Expect updates as this story continues to develop. Will this controversy affect Coote's future as a referee in the Premier League? Stay tuned!