EPL Ref David Coote Fired by PGMOL After Viral Video of NSFW Diss on Klopp, Liverpool

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced Monday it has terminated David Coote's status with the organization following an investigation into a video in which he disparaged Liverpool and then-manager Jürgen Klopp.

"David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable," PGMOL said in a statement.

"Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare."

In the offending video, which surfaced in November, Coote called Liverpool "s--t" and described Klopp as "f--king arrogant" and a "German c--t," per the Daily Mail's Lewis Steele and Kieran Gill.

ESPN's Dale Johnson noted that Coote's frustration appeared to stem in part from a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020. He was the referee for the match, and Klopp voiced his displeasure with the officiating after the fixture concluded.

England's Football Association launched a separate inquiry into Coote after Stephen Moyes of the Sun reported he may have arranged to issue a yellow card in a Championship match in 2019.

Coote denied any wrongdoing.

"I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations," he said, per ESPN's Tom Hamilton. Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision making on the field. I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability."

Coote has the opportunity to appeal the decision PGMOL handed down Monday.

The 42-year-old officiated his first Premier League match during the 2017-18 season and was assigned to the division full time in May 2018.