Coote appears to call Klopp 'c***' as PGMOL investigate leaked video

Andy Madley is referred to as a 'f***ing idiot' in clip which has been passed onto integrity body

By Chris Bascombe

Published: 16:39 EDT, 4 May 2023

Referee John Brooks is alleged to have called Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a "c***" during the fiery clash with Manchester City.

A leaked video has emerged on social media of Brooks apparently making the comment during the half-time interval of the Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) are investigating the footage and have said they will 'take appropriate action'.

The incident is alleged to have occurred after Klopp had confronted Brooks about a decision made in the first half.

Klopp was seen remonstrating with Brooks on the touchline and the referee appeared to respond by saying: "Yes, and I'm a c***".

The video has been widely shared on social media and has caused outrage among Liverpool fans.

Many have called for Brooks to be banned from refereeing Liverpool matches in the future.

The PGMOL is responsible for the appointment and training of referees in England.

They have said that they are aware of the video and are investigating the matter.

"We are aware of the video circulating on social media and we are currently investigating the matter," a PGMOL spokesperson said.

"We will take appropriate action once our investigation is complete.

"We will not be making any further comment at this time."

It is not the first time that Brooks has been involved in controversy.

In 2019, he was accused of making a homophobic slur towards Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

Brooks denied the allegation and was cleared by the FA.

However, the Football Association (FA) has said that it is aware of the latest video and will be looking into it.

"We are aware of the video circulating on social media and we are currently looking into it," an FA spokesperson said.

"We will not be making any further comment at this time."

If Brooks is found to have made the comment, he could face a lengthy ban from refereeing.

The FA has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and has taken a hard line on any incidents of abuse.

In recent years, a number of referees have been banned for making discriminatory comments.

In 2020, referee Mark Clattenburg was banned for eight months after being found to have made racist comments.

And in 2021, referee Anthony Taylor was banned for six months after being found to have made homophobic comments.