David Coote has made a fool of himself – but worse, he has undermined referees

Not only was his tirade against Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool utterly mindless, it could cause lasting damage to the game.

Referee David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation, Professional Game Match Officials Limited has announced, after a video emerged appearing to show him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Pic: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire

There is lots I do not want to know about the video featuring the Premier League referee David Coote. I do not want to know why it looks like he’s at a bleary-eyed after-party at some random guy’s house during Covid. I do not want to know who’s filming using the phone, and why, as Coote reveals his apparent loathing of Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp in language that would make a fishmonger blush. 

What I do want to know is what the hell persuaded him that opening his mouth at all was in any way a good idea.