First Premier League manager finally comments on suspended referee David Coote

“Any human being that says these kind of things is not good,” said Enzo Maresca, the first Premier League manager to criticize banned referee David Coote.

Following the release of hacked video purporting to show Coote calling Jurgen Klopp a “German c**” and a Liverpool s***, the referees union PGMOL stood him down last week.The Football Association has opened an inquiry into the X-rated tirade in which the 42-year-old Coote also called former Kop manager Klopp “f****** arrogant.”

The video that shocked the Premier League has now been addressed by Chelsea manager Maresca, who returns to the King Power on Saturday to play his former team, Leicester.

“I have seen it,” he answered in a measured tone. Any response to such things, regardless of whether it comes from a player, manager, referee, or a regular person who isn’t involved in football, isn’t the greatest one since certain things are incorrect to say.

“The fact that he is a referee is irrelevant. It is incorrect if I, as a manager, say the same thing. There is a problem if you, as a journalist, say the same thing.

Therefore, it doesn’t matter that he is a referee. It is not healthy for any human being to speak such things.

Coote was seen pretending to sniff a white substance in a second video that was published online.

The PGMOL has extended support to Coote, whose career as a top-tier official has been destroyed, even if public confidence in referees has reached a new low.

“We acknowledge the accusations and are treating them with the utmost seriousness. A PGMOL representative informed Mirror Football that David Coote is still suspended till a thorough inquiry is conducted. “David’s well-being is our first priority, and we’re determined to give him the continuous assistance he requires throughout this time. At this point, we are unable to provide any more commentary.

When asked if he still had faith in referees, Maresca responded with a single word: “Absolutely,” despite the controversy’s bad press.