Steve Cooper has been sacked by Leicester City, with reports suggesting his approach to officiating during his time at Nottingham Forest caused unease among the Leicester hierarchy.

Earlier this season, Nottingham Forest secured victory at the King Power Stadium, with travelling fans chanting that “Steve Cooper hates Leicester,” a reference to the brewing rivalry between the two East Midlands clubs. While the rivalry isn’t one of the most prominent in English football, it has gained more attention in recent years.

Despite his strong managerial credentials, which include guiding Nottingham Forest back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Cooper’s tenure at Leicester has come to an abrupt end. The Foxes currently sit just one point above the relegation zone after 12 games. While this isn’t catastrophic considering their primary aim of survival, a five-game winless streak, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the weekend, proved to be the breaking point for the club’s board.

Concerns Over Referee Relations

One of the key concerns during Cooper’s time at Leicester reportedly revolved around his outspoken approach to refereeing decisions. According to The Athletic, there was growing apprehension at board level over Cooper’s tendency to challenge Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing in English football.

This trait was already evident during his Nottingham Forest days. Back in March 2023, Cooper penned a letter to the PGMOL expressing frustration at what he perceived to be injustices against his team. Most recently, he criticised referee Andy Madley following Nottingham Forest’s match against Chelsea, voicing his dissatisfaction with officiating decisions.

The Leicester City board was wary of Cooper’s confrontational stance, especially in light of their own recent controversies. Having benefited from a contentious Premier League Shareholder Rule (PSR) ruling, the club’s owners were keen to avoid further disputes with football authorities.

A Complicated Relationship With Leicester Fans

Cooper’s past successes with Nottingham Forest also played a curious role in his struggles at Leicester. According to The Athletic, Cooper was taken aback by the reaction of some Leicester supporters, who resented his association with their East Midlands rivals. Despite his professional credentials, his connection to Forest seemed to weigh against him in the eyes of certain fans.

This sentiment underscores the complexity of local rivalries in football. While Cooper’s achievements at Forest – including securing Premier League promotion – earned him lasting admiration at the City Ground, they inadvertently created friction in his new role.

A Mixed Legacy

Cooper’s departure marks him as the second managerial casualty in the Premier League this season. While Leicester’s performances under him showed signs of improvement compared to the end of his Forest tenure, they ultimately lacked the consistency required to pull away from the relegation battle.

His sacking reflects both the unforgiving nature of modern football management and the unique challenges of stepping into a rival club. As Cooper now reflects on his brief stint at Leicester, he will undoubtedly seek his next opportunity to rebuild his managerial reputation.