‘Bantering in a pub’ - Former referee insists reaction to leaked David Coote video insulting Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp was overblown

In late 2024, Coote found himself at the centre of controversy when videos surfaced online which captured him making derogatory remarks about Klopp, calling him "f*cking arrogant" and a "German c*nt". Another showed the referee allegedly consuming a white powder during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. These revelations prompted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to suspend Coote until June 2026.

Renowned former referee Clattenburg addressed the controversy on the Whistleblowers podcast. He opined that while Coote's drug use warranted dismissal, the video of him insulting Klopp was akin to "bantering in a pub."

"Forget the Liverpool stuff – that's bantering in a pub. I have been guilty of it with friends in the past," Clattenburg said. "Unfortunately, now, with recording devices and stuff, the world's changed but we've all been in the pub and had a bit of banter about football. I have probably said things about managers and players. I am not sure that was a career-ending moment for him. It was the drug issue, certainly in high-profile matches. Coote allowed that to come out without any mechanism in place. I think that's where his career became difficult."

Clattenburg also revealed that he does sympathise with Coote, underscoring the immense pressure referees face and the lack of adequate support systems to help them cope.

He added: "As a referee, if you don't speak a little bit, they call you arrogant.

"When you're out, you always try to manage situations – people are always asking what such and such is like. You try and make a joke out of it – but with jokes nowadays, nobody knows what level you're actually having that joke at."

Post his suspension, Coote has taken up work as a delivery driver for the courier company Evri. He views this role as a temporary means to stay occupied while focusing on personal growth and well-being. Additionally, Coote participated in the Leeds Marathon to support his uncle battling motor neurone disease, showcasing his commitment to family and community.

Coote has said: "I'm just trying to make an honest living. I want to get on with my life. I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career."

In the aftermath, Coote publicly came out as a homosexual, revealing that years of concealing his sexuality contributed to his personal challenges. He has since sought therapy and is working towards rebuilding his life. While Coote's suspension by UEFA is set to last until June 2026, the possibility of his return to officiating remains uncertain.