David Coote Issues Apology for Offensive Comments Directed at Jurgen Klopp, Acknowledges Being Under the Influence During Altercation
DAVID Coote has expressed a sincere apology to former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and “anyone I may have upset through my actions.”
The recently ousted referee gained international attention after a video emerged of him referring to Klopp as a “German c***.”
The emotional Coote disclosed that he “wasn’t sober” at the time but recognized that he was being filmed during COVID in 2020, a time when social distancing limited large gatherings.
In addition, the official mentioned in video discussions that Liverpool “would not secure the Premier League” this season.
He also labeled Liverpool defender and Scotland captain Andy Robertson as a “Scottish p****.”
Coote stated: “I want to apologize to anyone I’ve upset through my actions.”
“I understand that my conduct fell far short of the standards expected of a top-tier referee, and I truly regret my comments.”
He continued: “That video has been in someone’s possession for over four years.”
“I had forgotten about it, and while waiting for my car to be serviced, I learned that it had appeared on social media, which left me devastated.”
With profound remorse, Coote shared: “I deeply regret finding myself in this situation. My comments do not represent my views of the individuals involved or my broader beliefs.”
Reflecting on the conflict with Klopp—who criticized him after he officiated a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020—Coote remarked: “The football industry is exceedingly demanding for all stakeholders.
“When pressure escalates and results don’t align with expectations, everyone tends to resort to survival instincts to a degree.”
Scandal-plagued Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos surfaced of anti-Klopp rants and snorting white powder
“Referees often become targets as there’s minimal accountability for the mistreatment they endure. They frequently end up as scapegoats. I acknowledge this, and I don’t fault anyone for it.”
The seasoned official added: “One of the hurdles of officiating is that we lack an avenue to express our feelings in real-time.
“We must hide our emotions. I would be an awful referee if I responded emotionally to what’s said or shouted in the stadium. We lack the emotional release that comes with scoring a goal or winning a game.
“I’m…
‘IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’
By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name
“IT takes immense courage for anyone to step forward, particularly someone in the public eye.
“This will have consequences for David Coote and is a significant step, but it should affect him less than it would a player because of their varying degrees of fame.”
Amal, whose late uncle was the first top-flight player to come out and took his own life in 1998, stated: “We’d be glad to offer support through the foundation.
“We are here to provide any assistance and counseling if needed.
“Our initiatives also cater to individuals facing mental health challenges, and we are here for him should that be a concern.
“There remains something fundamentally flawed at the upper echelons of football.
“In 2025, a time when society is allegedly progressive and accepting, there are still barriers that prevent these men from being true to themselves. Football continues to stumble in this aspect.”