There is a temptation among football fans to react to the latest refereeing scandal with a big difference.

Although a PGMOL investigation into David Coote’s controversial comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp sees the official removed from Premier League games, how can we trust the integrity of officials at large?

Are we seriously to be led to believe that an issue of implicit bias was endemic to the 42-year-old?

(Photos by Eddie Keogh & Barrington Coombs/Getty Images)

Keith Wyness raised some concerns about the transparency of the investigation and future checks on officials in the game.

“This is a very tricky situation for PGMOL, the former Everton chief executive spoke further Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast.

“I was surprised when the footage came out. Klopp has been right about Coote, but the words Coote used were mainly about him as a person – rather than any decisions.

“But this is crucial for PGMOL. The reputation of the whole organization is at stake. If they don’t do this investigation properly, they could be taken over. It could go so far, if they can’t prove they can run themselves properly.

“Justice must be seen to be done. There must be a fully detailed and transparent process.

“There needs to be better checks and background checks on referees’ behaviour. They are vital and we want to support them.

“They are well paid and they have some responsibility. This investigation is crucial.”

A genuine fear among Liverpool fans – and, we hope, supporters across the Premier League – is that Coote, for now suspended from his dutieswill be punished and the issue of practicing integrity is quickly brushed under the rug.

A result that may provide some initial satisfaction in terms of justice for the offending party, although it hardly gets to the root of the problem plaguing English football.

We feel The overlap expert Ian Wright came closest to the heart of the problem – The fans have every right to feel upset about the issue and hope for a better future for Premier League football.

Yes, there is another problem that needs to be addressed at the same time regarding the general treatment of judges from the grassroots up.

Issues of integrity and quality of service cannot be properly addressed without also paying attention to the culture around it.

So this case is not just about David Coote; it is a clear opportunity for PGMOL to send a strong message that it cares about fixing the problem rather than falling over the cracks.

Fail to do that and it’s only a matter of time until another referee’s obvious bias against Liverpool, or another Premier League club, comes to the fore.

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