'I've worked with disgraced referee David Coote – this is what he is really like'
11/12/2024 08:53 AM
Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has jumped to the defence of David Coote amid PGMOL’s investigation into a leaked video that prompted them to suspend the disgraced official.
It is unclear when the video was made or how it came into circulation but it is understood Professional Game Match Officials Limited is treating it as genuine.
In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as ‘s***’.
He then uses an offensive term to describe Klopp, and asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had ‘a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown’ and had accused him of lying.
‘I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,’ Coote says.
PGMOL said in a statement: ‘David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.
‘PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.’
Klopp left Liverpool in the summer after almost a decade in charge.
Coote was the official for the Reds’ most recent Premier League game – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday night.
It is understood Liverpool are aware of the video but in light of an investigation being launched do not feel it would be appropriate to comment.
Walton, meanwhile, who officiated in the top flight for nine years, concedes PGMOL had little option but to take action against Coote, but insists the persona caught on film appears to be very much out of character.
Writing in The Times, he said: ‘There are some Premier League referees I consider more loose-lipped, and more laddish in their behaviour away from the public spotlight. David is not one of them.
‘I would have described him as captain sensible, maybe a bit highly-strung at times, and not one of the lads.
‘Unlike some referees, you rarely see him laughing and joking with players during matches – he is generally very straight-laced. I look at the video and wonder if part of the problem is that he is trying to be someone he is not.’
Walton continued by articulating his fears over an incident that could see the integrity of the refereeing profession questioned.
The 65-year-old also gave his thoughts on Coote’s various altercations with Klopp and admitted the German was not always a straightforward character to officiate.
‘He looks to be one of the more difficult touchline personalities of recent times to manage,’ Walton added. ‘But those are the ones above all that require the referee to remain calm. The language used in the video – assuming all is as it seems – is clearly offensive.’
