Latest news with #offensivecomments

Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Premier League referee Coote gets 8-week ban for offensive comments about Klopp
LONDON (AP) — Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned for eight weeks and ordered to take a face-to-face education program for making offensive comments about Jürgen Klopp in a private video that ended up being widely circulated on social media, leading to the match official getting fired. Coote admitted to a Football Association charge of acting 'in an improper manner' and/or using 'abusive and/or insulting words' in a video recorded around July 2020. Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by an unidentified man. Coote uses an expletive for Liverpool and a derogatory term for Klopp, saying he disliked the German manager because he was 'arrogant' and 'accused me of lying' after one game. The FA charge including an allegation that Coote's actions constituted an 'aggravated breach' of rules because they 'included a reference — whether express or implied — to nationality.' An independent regulatory commission announced on Tuesday it had imposed the new sanctions on Coote following a hearing. Coote was initially suspended for his conduct and then fired in December because his position was deemed 'untenable' by English soccer's referees body following an investigation into his conduct. Coote was also investigated by the FA following allegations in British newspaper The Sun that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player in a match. The former referee denied any wrongdoing and the FA said in June that no charges were issued in relation to that investigation. Separately, UEFA launched an investigation into Coote following a video, again published by The Sun, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the European Championship this year. ___ AP soccer:


Washington Post
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Former Premier League referee Coote gets 8-week ban for offensive comments about Klopp
LONDON — Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned for eight weeks and ordered to take a face-to-face education program for making offensive comments about Jürgen Klopp in a private video that ended up being widely circulated on social media, leading to the match official getting fired. Coote admitted to a Football Association charge of acting 'in an improper manner' and/or using 'abusive and/or insulting words' in a video recorded around July 2020.


Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Former Premier League referee Coote gets 8-week ban for offensive comments about Klopp
LONDON (AP) — Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned for eight weeks and ordered to take a face-to-face education program for making offensive comments about Jürgen Klopp in a private video that ended up being widely circulated on social media, leading to the match official getting fired. Coote admitted to a Football Association charge of acting 'in an improper manner' and/or using 'abusive and/or insulting words' in a video recorded around July 2020. Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by an unidentified man. Coote uses an expletive for Liverpool and a derogatory term for Klopp, saying he disliked the German manager because he was 'arrogant' and 'accused me of lying' after one game. The FA charge including an allegation that Coote's actions constituted an 'aggravated breach' of rules because they 'included a reference — whether express or implied — to nationality.' An independent regulatory commission announced on Tuesday it had imposed the new sanctions on Coote following a hearing. Coote was initially suspended for his conduct and then fired in December because his position was deemed 'untenable' by English soccer's referees body following an investigation into his conduct. Coote was also investigated by the FA following allegations in British newspaper The Sun that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player in a match. The former referee denied any wrongdoing and the FA said in June that no charges were issued in relation to that investigation. Separately, UEFA launched an investigation into Coote following a video, again published by The Sun, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the European Championship this year. ___ AP soccer:


Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
'Every word is recorded': UAE authorities warn comments, not just posts, can lead to fines
Authorities in the UAE have issued a stern warning to social media users, urging them to refrain from posting or replying to any type of content, whether written, audio, video, or live streams, in a negative, abusive, or defamatory manner. The warning comes in response to a growing number of reported cases involving users who posted offensive or insulting comments targeting content creators personally, often without realising such behaviour is a criminal offence under UAE law. Authorities said the misuse of comment sections has become a frequent issue. 'Commenting on a public post does not give anyone the right to verbally attack, mock, or humiliate others,' said Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zawd, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police. 'We are committed to taking firm action against digital offences that threaten social harmony. The law is clear — online insults, even within comment threads or replies, are punishable.' He explained that Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, amended by Law No. 5 of 2024, outlines strict penalties for online insults or defamation, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. These penalties can be more severe when the abuse targets public officials or is published through widely followed accounts. While dozens of such cases have been recorded in Sharjah over recent years, Colonel Al Zawd emphasised that many users remain unaware that such comments, even short replies, may lead to prosecution. Major Abdullah Al Sheihi, acting director of the Cyber Crime Department at Dubai Police, echoed the concern. 'Whether it's a written post, video, audio clip, or live stream, the law prohibits posting any comment that is insulting or defamatory,' he said. 'Many users assume comments, especially during live sessions, are casual and harmless. But every word is recorded, traceable, and can result in legal action.' 'Targeting content creators personally or using abusive language in replies is a violation of the law,' he added. 'We urge all users to act responsibly, show respect, and understand that cybercrime laws apply to everyone. Saying 'I didn't know' is not a valid legal excuse.' Legal consultant Wael Obaid of Dubai Courts confirmed that an increasing number of online defamation cases are being triggered by users' comments, rather than the content of the original posts. 'People think they're simply expressing an opinion,' he said. 'But if the comment causes personal insult, moral harm, or reputational damage, even indirectly, it becomes a criminal matter. Courts rely on digital evidence, and most users underestimate how easily they can be identified.' According to Article 43 of the UAE's cybercrime law, any person who insults another online or attributes an act that harms their dignity can face jail time or fines. Article 426 of the Penal Code also provides penalties for public insults, even without naming a specific accusation, including up to one year in jail or fines of up to Dh20,000, increasing to two years or Dh50,000 in aggravated cases. Authorities across the UAE are urging users to think twice before commenting on any form of content. Whether responding to a video, text, photo, or live broadcast, every reply leaves a digital footprint, and users are legally accountable for what they post. 'If you disagree, scroll past or report it through proper channels,' authorities said. 'But never respond with abuse. Online respect is not optional; it's the law.'


Malay Mail
02-07-2025
- Malay Mail
In Sepang, farmer pleads not guilty to posting offensive comments on Facebook
SEPANG, July 2 — A farmer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of posting offensive comments on Facebook in February this year. Mohammad Faisal Mohd Yusof, 37, entered the plea when the charge was read before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman. He was charged with knowingly posting and initiating the transmission of offensive comments via the Facebook account 'Mohd Faisal Yusop' with intent to annoy others. The post was allegedly uploaded at 12.40 am on Feb 9 and came to the attention of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at around 1.40 pm the same day at MCMC Tower 1, Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, Cyberjaya. The charge, framed under Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under Section 233 (3) of the law, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both, upon conviction. MCMC deputy public prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab proposed bail of RM15,000 with one surety, citing the accused's failure to attend the case mention on April 30, which resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued. However, the single father, who is unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail amount, saying he had no fixed income and was supporting three children as well as his parents. Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman set bail at RM7,000 with one surety, and fixed Aug 8 for mention. — Bernama