Howard Webb breaks silence on David Coote video as PGMOL chief gives investigation update

The head of The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), Howard Webb, has finally .

In his appearance on 'Mic'd Up', a show that scrutinizes dubious referee decisions, he stressed PGMOL's earnest attitude towards the issue: "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."

PGMOL, , are delving into the contents of the clip where . During the unfolding inquiries, the 42-year-old has been benched from his duties.

The contentious video and hurls an insult at , branding him a "German c***". At one juncture, he flaunts a snapshot on a mobile which seems to include Klopp, , and another person donning a mask, hinting the footage could trace back to lockdown days.

Coote, who took charge of Liverpool’s recent 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Anfield, finds himself in hot water—sidelined until the probe's conclusion, with Webb affirming: "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."

, having a significant hiatus between his first and second game involving the Reds spanning 15 months.

Former Premier League referee surrounding the leaked footage. Speaking to Sky Sports, Dean shared his concern for Coote's state of mind and future in officiating: "I texted him yesterday - he's still a colleague in a way - just to see how he was. And he replied with a message that I wouldn't disclose to anybody.

"But he'll be devastated today, like most of the referees will be devastated that somebody has actually gone and done this video."

He added: "I don't think he's damaged his career beyond repair. I'd like to think they [PGMOL] can come to some agreement and it also depends on what's gone on with David. With all this media attention, would David want to still carry on refereeing? That's the bigger picture you have got to think of. It doesn't just affect David but his friends and his family as well. So does he want to put himself through it yet again?

"And obviously it will be hard to come back and start his refereeing career again whether it's in the Championship to start with then get back into the Premier League. It will be a hard step for him to come back."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking .