‘I’ve seen what Klopp said about Coote’ – Wyness reacts to Liverpool controversy
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted he has “sympathy” for referee David Coote after his foul-mouthed anti-Liverpool rant emerged on social media.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed those who have “laid into” the referee must “look at themselves”, but admitted he will face “serious consequences”.
Coote, 42, has been suspended by PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and is under investigation by the FA after footage of him slating Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp leaked.
The official used a number of expletives to express his disdain for Klopp, with the pair having several run-ins before the German left Anfield earlier this year.
It has been widely reported that Coote has admitted he made the remarks.
Wyness reacts to Coote controversy at Liverpool
Wyness insisted he hopes “common sense can prevail” as “everyone has had mutterings about managers and referees”.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’ve got mixed feelings. It was stupid to have it out there, and the friend who shared it is no friend.
“Of course, referees have that certain feeling about managers – but you do not go public on social media with it.
“You have to keep that to yourself.
“He’s already suspended, but you have sympathy. I’ve seen all the things Klopp said about Coote, and you understand why he has those feelings.
“But Klopp hasn’t said it in the aggressive tone and language Coote used.
“The people who have laid into Coote have got to look at themselves, because everyone has had mutterings about managers, referees, etc.
“There will be serious consequences, but we’ve all got thoughts and feelings.
“He may have to go overseas to referee from now on. It’s a shame because he was a sensible referee.
“It’s difficult, but hopefully some sort of common sense can prevail.”
In other news, 25-year-old wants to quit Liverpool.
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