The David Coote Memes, Explained
The match referee, David Coote, issued a red card to Lucas from Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Stu ... [+] Forster/Getty Images)
The English Premier League (EPL) is among the most lucrative sports leagues in the world, valued at $7.54 billion (€7.1 billion). With hundreds of millions of fans worldwide tuning in, every decision made by its officials is scrutinized closely on the field, and their impact extends far beyond the game itself.
This might explain why the internet erupted with chatter about David Coote. As a Premier League referee, a video has emerged that allegedly shows him making derogatory remarks about the recently departed manager of Liverpool FC, Jürgen Klopp.
Captured at what seems to be the conclusion of a night out, this event gave rise to a variety of memes featuring David Coote.
The event is especially captivating because it highlights how memes function in the world of sports and illustrates their ability to foster a shared feeling of empathy among people.
The Origin Of The David Coote Memes
The tweet that sparked the David Coote memes came from user @Josh97LFC. As of now, it has garnered more than 40 million views.
The video seems to capture David Coote, a referee in the Premier League, expressing a number of critical remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp. In a rant filled with strong language, Coote describes Klopp as "arrogant," among other unflattering terms.
Just a quick reminder, this article isn’t focused on whether the video is genuine or not. Coote has asserted that he isn’t the person in the video, although he has recently changed his stance and is now facing suspension.
Instead, the attention shifts to the reaction of the internet to this event and the emergence of the David Coote memes.
What Are David Cootes Memes?
These posts come in different styles and delve into the narrative involving the Premier League referee. Interestingly, most of the memes about David Coote are actually quite favorable regarding the situation.
A common topic discussed on social media regarding the video is the assumption that it was filmed at an "afters" gathering, which usually refers to a party often influenced by drugs that follows a night out at the pub. While there's no concrete proof to support this idea, it hasn’t stopped people online from making that assumption and playfully defending Coote's presence there.
This can be seen in various memes featuring David Coote, where soccer humor is combined with references to drug use.
Another method of creating these David Coote memes involves reusing older styles, such as this well-known image from Scottish comedian Limmy:
The main vibe of a lot of these memes is one of connection and shared experience.
This is a fascinating result. At first glance, one might assume that the memes would directly poke fun at David Coote and point out his lack of professionalism as a referee in the Premier League.
On the contrary, it appears that the situation is quite different. Many people seem to relate to him and feel sympathy. But why is that?
David Coote Memes: Insights Into Internet Culture
For those who aren't familiar with the English Premier League or soccer as a whole, it's essential to point out the strong sense of loyalty and rivalry that exists in the culture of the sport.
In an article for The Athletic, George Caulkin discusses how, to an outsider, English soccer often appears to prioritize mocking rivals on Twitter over focusing on actual match outcomes.
It's essential to keep in mind this key aspect of the David Coote memes. One could say that a significant factor behind the wide online support, or at least mild amusement, surrounding the video is that he is making fun of a major football club. Essentially, anyone who isn't a Liverpool supporter can appreciate someone taking a jab at their competition.
Another aspect of the generally favorable reaction to the David Coote memes is how relatable they are. Numerous supportive posts point out that the video seems to have been filmed late at night when he may have been drinking. This is especially highlighted in a particular Tweet:
After a long night, it’s common for people to say amusing or foolish things, but the reality of a private moment being recorded and shared online strikes a chord with many. It’s a truly unsettling situation, and the reactions on social media show just how deeply this resonates with others.
The David Coote memes exist in a unique realm, where there's a blend of humor in a Premier League referee openly criticizing a team and a sense of sympathy for someone whose private moment has been shared without permission.
In this case, the David Coote memes aren't just about ridicule; they're the internet's way of showing sympathy to someone who has made a significant error—one that many would likely escape without much consequence. While the memes poke fun at the situation, they also convey understanding for someone who has had their mistake publicly highlighted.
The internet isn't just a heartless entity focused on making fun of others; it's made up of people who understand what it means to experience difficult situations. The David Coote memes illustrate this perfectly.
