The individual who was captured on film with referee David Coote, where Coote is used derogatory language towards Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, has been suspended by his workplace. Former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt, now under investigation by Forsyth Barnes, the executive recruitment company he works for, is purportedly seen in the video questioning Coote about Liverpool and Klopp.
The footage concludes with Kitt declaring: "Long story short, Jurgen Klopp's a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers."
Forsyth Barnes has issued a statement regarding the matter. "Forsyth Barnes understands that the leaked video of David Coote includes one of its employees, Ben Kitt," stated Roheel Ahmad, co-founder of the firm.
"This is something that we are taking very seriously and we have suspended Ben on full pay while we investigate further.
"Although we are still in the process of gathering all the facts, we do know for certain that the video was taken some years before Ben became an employee of Forsyth Barnes. In his time with the business, Ben has demonstrated a strong [work] ethic and dedication to his career."
"He has matured considerably and grown into a responsible young man. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, Forsyth Barnes will not be making any further comments."
In a subsequent video, Coote is allegedly heard saying: "Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously."
Kitt replies: "He's a Premier League referee, let's not f***ing ruin his career. We're good blokes but we can't ruin a bloke's career. We're not that bad. Also he's a f***ing legend."
Coote has yet to comment on the video, but PGMOL boss Howard Webb briefly addressed the incident on Match Officials Mic'd Up. "We became aware of a video that was circulating on social media," Webb stated.
"We've launched an investigation. One of our referees David Coote was suspended pending the outcome of that investigation. I can't say much more than that."
