PGMOL chief Howard Webb breaks silence on David Coote controversy as investigation continues into leaked video

A video leaked on social media shows Coote allegedly making highly offensive remarks directed at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. In the video, Coote purportedly used explicit language when referring to Klopp’s nationality and derogatorily referred to Liverpool as "sh*t” and also labelled Klopp a "c*nt".

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has already suspended the referee and launched an investigation to verify the video, while he has been stood down by UEFA too.

During Tuesday's episode of Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb took a moment at the outset to address the controversy, though he kept his remarks brief given the ongoing investigation.

Webb said: "We became aware of a video that was circulating on social media. We've launched an investigation. One of our referees David Coote was suspended pending the outcome of that investigation. I can't say much more than that."

Despite the shocking nature of the content, Coote has accepted responsibility, albeit with the caveat that he does not recall the specific event. The referee has been with the Premier League since 2018 following an eight-year stint in the English Football League (EFL).

As the PGMOL investigation delves deeper, Coote’s future as a referee remains on the line. If the accusations are substantiated, the 42-year-old Nottinghamshire official may face severe consequences, possibly ending his career.