David Coote could join the Saudi League after X-rated Klopp and Liverpool remarks | OneFootball

Premier League referee David Coote’s career is hanging by a thread following a leaked video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.

He could face serious consequences, but according to the Daily Mail, Saudi Arabia could offer him an escape route.

With the Saudi Pro League (SPL) desperate to bolster its global profile, they could poach one of the Premier League’s top referees.

The footage surfaced online yesterday, sparking widespread outrage. It led to an investigation by the Football Association (FA) and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

Coote has been suspended from officiating European and domestic matches while the investigation is ongoing.

Coote could face severe consequences if found guilty of misconduct, including a lengthy ban or even the termination of his career in English football.

A potential escape route for the beleaguered referee could be a move to the SPL. The league has been actively investing in improving its officiating standards and has previously attracted high-profile referees from top European leagues.

However, a move to Saudi Arabia is not without its challenges. The league’s reputation as a potential dumping ground for disgraced officials will not make a transfer palatable.

Coote must also demonstrate genuine remorse and a willingness to learn from his mistakes so that he can be welcomed by the Saudi football community.

Head of PGMOL Howard Webb has broken his silence on the now-infamous video. Appearing on Mic’d Up, the show in which Webb assesses controversial referee calls, Webb addressed the footage involving Coote when speaking to former Everton midfielder Leon Osman.

He said (via Sky Sports): “We became aware of a video that’s been circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously. We’ve instigated a full investigation.

“One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of that investigation. And there’s not much more I can say at this stage until we work through that investigation.”