Former Premier League referee David Coote has been handed an eight-week ban and ordered to attend a face-to-face education programme for making offensive remarks about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a private video that went viral on social media, resulting in his dismissal.

Coote admitted to the Football Association’s charge of acting “in an improper manner” and/or using “abusive and/or insulting words” in a video recorded around July 2020.

Two videos, apparently recorded on a phone, circulated on social media showing Coote expressing his personal views on Liverpool and Klopp when asked by an unidentified man. In the clips, Coote used offensive language about Liverpool and referred to Klopp derogatorily, stating he disliked the German manager because he was “arrogant” and “accused me of lying” after a match.

The FA’s charge included an allegation that Coote’s conduct constituted an “aggravated breach” of rules, as it contained a reference — whether explicit or implicit — to nationality.

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An independent regulatory commission announced on Tuesday the new sanctions against Coote following a hearing.

Initially suspended over his conduct, Coote was dismissed in December after English football’s referees’ body deemed his position “untenable” following an internal investigation.

Coote was also probed by the FA over claims reported by British newspaper The Sun that he discussed with a fan the possibility of issuing a yellow card during a match. Coote denied any wrongdoing, and in June, the FA confirmed no charges were brought in relation to that inquiry.

Separately, UEFA launched an investigation into Coote after The Sun published a video allegedly showing him using cocaine during this year’s European Championship.

Source: Agency