David Coote errors that cost Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp

Premier League referee David Coote is facing some serious allegations of compromise over a leaked video footage exhibiting his bias against Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.

In retrospect, Coote has been at the center of several contentious decisions that have directly and indirectly influenced Liverpool’s fortunes under their previous manager Jurgen Klopp.

These incidents have sparked debates among fans and analysts about the consistency and impartiality officiating in crucial matches. For David Coote, the English referee has been at the center of a lot of matches that have cost Liverpool vital points in the Premier League.

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To an extent, it has also cost Liverpool a Premier League title in their run-in versus Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

With Coote unwittingly disclosing his animosity for former manager Jurgen Klopp, the football world cannot help but wonder how deep the referee’s hate for the club goes.

Here are some games David Coote made controversial calls in:

1. Jordan Pickford’s Challenge on Virgil van Dijk (October 2020)

In the Merseyside derby against Everton, Liverpool’s defender Virgil van Dijk suffered a season-ending injury following a reckless challenge by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. As the VAR official, Coote failed to recommend a red card review for serious foul play, leading to widespread criticism and confusion within the Liverpool camp.

2. Divock Origi’s Foul Leading to Manchester United’s Goal (October 2019)

During a clash at Old Trafford, Liverpool’s Divock Origi was fouled in the buildup to Manchester United’s opening goal. Coote, officiating the match, allowed play to continue, and VAR upheld the decision, resulting in a 1-1 draw that halted Liverpool’s winning streak.

3. Rodri’s Handball Against Everton (February 2022)

In a match between Everton and Manchester City, Rodri appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area. Coote, serving as the VAR official, did not advise a penalty, a decision that drew criticism from Liverpool supporters, as it had implications for the title race.

4. Martin Ødegaard’s Handball Denying Liverpool a Penalty (April 2022)

In a fixture against Arsenal, Liverpool’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed after the ball struck Martin Ødegaard’s arm in the box. Coote, overseeing VAR, chose not to intervene, leading to frustration among the Liverpool contingent.

5. Jeremy Doku’s High Challenge on Alexis Mac Allister (September 2023)

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku made a high-footed challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, making contact with his chest. Coote, as the match referee, issued only a yellow card, a decision that many felt warranted a harsher punishment. 

Other erratic calls made by David Coote in other Premier League games are as follow;

Giovani Lo Celso’s Stamp on César Azpilicueta (February 2020):

During a match between Chelsea and Tottenham, Lo Celso stamped on Azpilicueta’s leg. Coote, serving as the VAR official, deemed the action accidental and did not recommend a red card. The decision was widely criticized, leading to an admission of error and an apology from Coote.

Manchester United vs. West Bromwich Albion (November 2020):

In this fixture, Coote overturned a penalty awarded to West Brom after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor. Later, he awarded Manchester United a penalty for handball, which was converted for the game’s only goal. These decisions were controversial and drew criticism from West Brom’s manager, Slaven Bilić.

Manchester United vs. West Ham United (October 2024):

Coote awarded a late penalty to West Ham after a VAR review, leading to a 2-1 defeat for Manchester United. This decision was later deemed incorrect by Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer at PGMOL, and was cited as a factor in the sacking of United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.