David Coote Shares Honest Insights on His Personal Struggles and Professional Challenges as a Premier League Referee Following His Dismissal from PGMOL

In a revealing interview, David Coote, 42, opened up about his experiences with sexuality, substance abuse, and the immense pressure that comes with being a Premier League referee. His candid remarks come nearly two months after his controversial dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). In November 2024, Coote found himself at the center of a media storm when an unverified video emerged, showing him making derogatory comments towards former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Following the scandal, The Sun released a disturbing video that depicted Coote allegedly using a white powder while officiating at Euro 2024. This incident led to his termination after the PGMOL conducted an investigation into both videos, casting a shadow over his career.

Moreover, Coote is currently under scrutiny from the Football Association (FA)spot-fixing. He allegedly discussed the potential issuance of a yellow card to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski with a friend prior to a match against West Bromwich Albion in 2019, further complicating his already tumultuous professional life.

During his conversation with The Sun, Coote denied any involvement in the alleged betting breach, expressed deep regret for his comments about Klopp, and discussed his struggles with cocaine use. He revealed that he has since sought therapy and successfully overcome his addiction.

Understanding David Coote’s Journey with His Sexuality and the Associated Challenges

Reflecting on his youth, Coote stated, “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.” He emphasized that while his sexuality was not the sole factor affecting his life, it played a critical role in shaping his experiences. “I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that,” he explained.

Coote elaborated, “I hid my emotions as a young referee and concealed my sexuality as well—qualities that may serve a referee but hinder genuine human connections. This internal conflict has led to a range of negative behaviors.” He acknowledged the challenges he faced regarding his self-esteem, linking them directly to his identity as a gay man. “I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he admitted.

Throughout his career, Coote has endured harsh criticism, and he recognized that revealing his sexuality would have added another layer of difficulty to his experiences. “There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination,” he stated, emphasizing the need for change. “I didn’t want to be that person putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse referees already receive.”

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David Coote Addresses His Struggles with Substance Abuse: A Path to Recovery

Coote reflected on his relationship with drugs, saying, “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month.” He explained that while he had periods of sobriety, cocaine became an escape from the relentless pressures of officiating high-stakes matches. “It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route,” he confessed.

The loss of his mother in 2023 and the diagnosis of his uncle with motor neurone disease compounded his stress. Additionally, the demands of officiating during the pandemic meant that six officials were needed per match, intensifying the pressure on referees. Coote was selected to officiate prestigious tournaments, including the U17 World Cup in Indonesia and the Euros, resulting in him managing over 90 games in the 2023-24 season alone.

“The schedule was incredibly demanding, and I often felt overwhelmed. I went straight into the Euros after a grueling season, which added immense pressure. Looking back, I don’t recognize myself in the cocaine video. That was me in a vulnerable state, trying to escape the mounting pressure,” he reflected.

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Coote Denies Allegations of Betting Breach: Upholding the Integrity of the Game

Addressing the allegations of a betting breach, Coote stated, “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.” He expressed disappointment that such claims could tarnish the integrity of his work and the sport itself. “I have always strived to give my best on the pitch, regardless of personal challenges,” he added.

Coote acknowledged his troubled state during the time of the allegations, admitting, “I was messaging people I shouldn’t have trusted. I was naive.” Reflecting on his past decisions, he said, “I made some really poor choices and I wish I could turn back the clock and do things differently.”

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