More stories

  • in

    Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

    SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

  • in

    Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

    PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

  • in

    Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

    A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

  • in

    Sliding doors moment saw Antony join Man Utd instead of Liverpool after Klopp looked to sign him as Salah replacement

    LIVERPOOL almost moved to sign Manchester United flop Antony as a replacement for Mo Salah.The pair both play in the same position at two of the country’s biggest teams.Liverpool almost signed Antony before he joined Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was lined up by Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Mo SalahCredit: RexBut while one cost an eye-watering amount of money, the other has bagged an incredible amount of goals.Salah was deemed pricey at £36million when he joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017.The Egyptian had previously struggled in England with Chelsea.But an amazing debut season saw Salah immediately silence the doubters with 44 goals in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since gone on to net 221 goals in 366 games for Liverpool.But The Times claims Salah nearly left Anfield two summers ago.The forward’s contract was nearing its end and Liverpool were struggling to meet his demands.It’s reckoned then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sounded out Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony as Salah’s replacement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet a move never occurred after Liverpool eventually stumped up the cash required to extend their star man’s deal.The decision, taken by Fenway Sports Group’s president Mike Gordon, proved to be an extremely astute one.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionSalah has netted an incredible 65 goals since penning his new contract.While in the same time, Antony has managed a return of just 12.He entered the world of English football the same summer Salah signed on after Man United came calling.Erik ten Hag paid £88m to be reunited with his old Ajax star.But Antony’s time in the Premier League has been full of struggles.He has featured in just two of United’s 11 league games this season.And Antony’s future is likely to become even less clear under new manager Ruben Amorim, who does not play with natural wingers in his 3-4-3 system. More

  • in

    Chelsea line up £35m transfer raid for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher despite already having TEN goalkeepers

    CHELSEA are plotting a summer raid on Liverpool for their goalie Caoimhin Kelleher, SunSport understand.The Irishman is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season when the Reds welcome new shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Chelsea are plotting a summer raid for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AlamyChelsea manager Enzo Maresca might end up with ELEVEN goalkeepersCredit: AlamyThat signing is likely to see Kelleher, who has been superb between the sticks for Liverpool following the injury to Alisson, fall down to THIRD in the pecking order.That’s despite him starring in the team in recent weeks.Kelleher has no interest in sitting on the bench in the future, and the Republic of Ireland international almost left over the summer with Nottingham Forest among the clubs who reportedly lead the way for his services.Now Chelsea, who are in the market for a top keeper, are tracking the player.Read More on FootballSources told SunSport that one sticking point is the fact that Liverpool aren’t keen to sell such a good player to a potential title rival.But if Chelsea match the £35million valuation the club have placed on the player they might be left with little choice.Chelsea’s pursuit of the player is set to be matched by two Italian giants.Juventus and Napoli are both monitoring Kelleher but he is believed to prefer the option of staying in the Premier League if a deal can be done.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ending up with a staggering ELEVEN goalkeepers.Those would include Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Luke Campbell, Ted Curd and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The West Londoners also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach, who are out of contract in June.Our story comes after Kelleher was given the seal of approval by former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.“Caoimhin played 26 games last season and in that time he showed that he has the talent to be a No1 in the Premier League,” Given said.“But he turns 26 later this month and, if I am brutally honest, he needs to get away from Liverpool if he wants that to happen.“Kelleher would have been disappointed to hear [manager Arne] Slot state publicly that Alisson will always be his first-choice keeper because everyone wants to go into training every day with the belief that they are fighting for a place in the team. “Every professional footballer has to have that hope that if they get a place in the team and perform well then they will keep the jersey.“Caoimhin hasn’t got that. It has been made clear to him that he will always be behind Alisson – and let’s be honest he is up against a guy who is one of the best in the world.“Caoimhin turns 26 later this month. He’s done his time at Liverpool. That’s no disrespect to a brilliant club but they are now starting to think that they can’t hold Kelleher back for much longer because he is a quality player.“Maybe Caoimhin has been too nice about it up to now because sometimes you do have to force the issue. That isn’t a nice situation. He has been very loyal to Liverpool and he won’t want to upset the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the same time, you only have one career, one life and one opportunity to make the most of what you’ve got. Ten years down the road he could be 36 and people are talking about him as being over the hill.”Given added: “I look at him and think this guy’s the real deal. He proved last season over a long period of time that he is top quality. I’m sure there’s a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at him. He is ripe, fully cooked, and ready to flourish.” More

  • in

    Liverpool ‘identify Mo Salah transfer replacement’ with Egyptian star’s contract expiring in summer and no deal agreed

    LIVERPOOL have identified Lyon star Rayan Cherki as a potential replacement for Mo Salah, according to reports.Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested.Liverpool are interested in winger Rayan CherkiCredit: GettyLiverpool are reported to be on the look out for his long-term replacement, and are said to like the look of Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Omar Marmoush.The Reds are now understood to have identified Cherki as a possible replacement instead, report L’Equipe.Cherki, 21, has a year left on his deal although Lyon have the option to extend.However the French club may need to sell due to their rising debt, which stands at £422million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLigue 1 have placed a transfer embargo on the club and they will lose their top-flight status at the end of the season unless they improve their situation and avoid going into administration.Cherki made his France debut earlier this year and has scored 19 goals in 152 appearances for Lyon.He has remained coy when asked about his future in the past, suggesting he is focused only on Lyon.Speaking earlier this year, he said: “I don’t think about what’s next at all.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”My future will wait, until the end of the season. Lyon comes first. When the time comes to ask the question, we will ask it, but it is not yet the time.”Fulham have also been tipped to make a move for Cherki after failing with a £35million offer last January.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

  • in

    Moment scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024

    SUSPENDED Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in a shocking video taken while he was officiating at this summer’s Euros.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.On the bedside table alongside the white powder are scattered packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Read More David CooteThe ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1.  It showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Most read in FootballOther videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.His pal has told how Coote said in video chats that table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League” this season.Shocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.They told The Sun: “I believe that the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure that the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote is…there’s help out there.”The pal added: “The video of him bad-mouthing Klopp didn’t surprise me at all.“He said to me Liverpool would definitely not win the Premier League. It just makes me question the kind of people running the Prem. He also described Andy Robertson as a ‘Scottish prick’.“He did say that the worst place to referee was Goodison Park due to the young Scousers screaming, shouting, swearing at him and calling every name under the sun before the games had even started. And he mentioned he hated going to Bournemouth because it was just such a long way away.“He did mention about Coventry City versus Oxford United on a Friday night on Sky Sports. He couldn’t really be a**** with this game…the fact that he had to go and referee in front of an empty Ricoh Arena. He said ‘I’m a bit too big for this’.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. “David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. “We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.The footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video.Outside of England, UEFA has also taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Coote decides to quit, or is sacked, he is set to lose over £1m over the next few years.Referee David Coote was caught in an earlier video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: AP More

  • in

    David Coote expected to QUIT as referee before he’s sacked with X-rated Klopp rant to cost official more than £1MILLION

    DAVID COOTE can kiss goodbye to more than £1MILLION after his astonishing X-rated rant at Jurgen Klopp.The under-fire Premier League referee faces ruin having been caught on video labelling Liverpool’s former boss a “German c***”.Referee David Coote was caught on video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: APRefs’ chiefs at the PGMOL are investigating but believe Coote will quit before he gets sacked.The FA have also launched their own probe. VAR specialist Coote, 42, was booted off Uefa’s matchlist for a Nations League game during the international break following his foul-mouthed remarks.Referencing Klopp’s nationality means Coote faces stiffer sanctions from a potential aggravated misconduct charge.Fifa are now looking into his part-time position with them.Read More on FootballPGMOL boss Howard Webb said: “We became aware of a video on social media that we are taking very seriously. We have instigated a full investigation.“David Coote has been suspended pending the outcome. There’s not much more I can say at this stage.”The sensational minute-long clip looks set to end Coote’s career and cost him a fortune in lost earnings.He stands to lose his job as a Select Group 1 referee that pays him at least £100,000 a year.Most read in FootballAnd the Nottinghamshire official has no hope of keeping a role within the PGMOL once he hangs up his whistle — like many of his peers.A source told SunSport: “He’s looking at more than a million quid down the drain there when you add it all up.”Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantA video was posted online on Monday showing Coote laying into Klopp and labelling him “f***ing arrogant”.He also said Liverpool were “s**t” in the footage, which was recorded several years ago.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the video but “does not recall” making it.The official has history with Klopp, who left the Kop giants in May.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”They clashed after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield in July 2020 during the pandemic-hit season.The explosive comments cast serious doubt on his impartiality and suitability to referee in English football again.His remarks about Liverpool mean he could no longer referee their games with a shred of credibility.But neither can he take charge of matches involving their rivals in case his decisions indirectly affected them.And any club with a German boss or player could claim they would not receive fair treatment from Coote.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe man who filmed Coote’s anti-Liverpool rant has been named as former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt.Kitt has also reportedly been suspended from his job. More