Jurgen Klopp's criticism of David Coote has resurfaced after PGMOL launched an investigation into alleged footage of the Premier League referee making expletive-laden comments about the former Liverpool manager.
On Monday afternoon, a video circulated on social media which claims to show Coote making disparaging comments towards Liverpool and Klopp.
In the clip, a man which appears to be Coote is asked about a Liverpool game in which he had been fourth official 'recently'. It is unclear when the footage was filmed but he does mention Klopp.
The other man in the video then asks Coote what he thought of Liverpool during that particular match, to which he replied: "Liverpool were s***."
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A question is then asked about Klopp, to which he replies: "A c***. Absolute c***.
He continued: "Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, then he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me. I've got no interest in speaking to somebody who's f***ing arrogant."
Coote then added: "[James] Milner's alright. I get on with Milner."
A photo is then shown from the match, on a phone, which shows Coote wearing a mask while stood alongside Milner and Klopp.
PGMOL – the refereeing body responsible for professional match officials in England – is investigating the footage circulating on social media and on Monday afternoon, it was confirmed that Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.
A statement added: "PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete."
Coote, who was in charge of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, denies inappropriate conduct and has been insistent to PGMOL that the viral video in which he appears is not genuine, according to The Mirror.
Back in December last year, Klopp criticised VAR official Coote after Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Anfield.
Klopp said his side should have had a penalty in the 19th minute after Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard appeared to block Mohamed Salah's path to the ball with his hand.
Chris Kavanagh, who officiated the game, allowed play to continue and the game was not stopped for a VAR check as Coote judged that Odegaard handled the ball while falling.
"Yes I have seen it," Klopp said. "I am pretty sure someone will come to explain it to me why it was not a handball but I don't know how?
"I don't say that the ref can see it because I don't know where he was in that moment. But how can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly it could be worth the referee having another look?"
As a result of the draw, Arsenal gained a one-point advantage over Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Premier League, PGMOL
Jack Kenmare