David Coote, the former Premier League referee, has recently opened up about personal struggles following his dismissal from officiates, which he attributes to his concealed sexuality and mental health challenges. The 42-year-old expressed remorse for his past actions, stating they were influenced by the immense pressure of his career and his attempts to hide his identity.
Coote was fired on December 9, 2024, by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after controversial videos showed him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool Football Club and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp. One video, which emerged online, depicted Coote calling Klopp derogatory names such as “fing arrogant” and “a German c.” This incident followed his suspension on November 11, 2024.
Alongside the offensive remarks, additional footage surfaced on November 14, which showed Coote allegedly using cocaine, raising eyebrows and concerns about his conduct both on and off the field. During his interview with The Sun, Coote said, “I don't recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but I was struggling.”
He delved deeply, sharing how he first came out to his parents at 21 and his friends at 25, emphasizing the immense pressure felt from the “macho world” of football. “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years. My sexuality isn’t the only reason for my struggles, but hiding it certainly played a role,” he added.
The Nottinghamshire-born referee recounted how he hid his emotions and sexuality, stating, “A good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. That’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.” He acknowledged the abuse he received as a referee and how it dissuaded him from publicly acknowledging his identity.
Reflecting on his mental health, Coote disclosed the difficulties he experienced managing the relentless pressures of high-level officiation, which often resulted in destructive patterns to cope. “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day,” he stressed, referring to his brief substance use. “But it was one of the escape routes I had to get away from the stresses.”
Coote expressed regret over the choices he made during this turbulent time, stating, “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions... I hope people will understand... they do not reflect who I am today.” He called upon the football community to recognize the struggles many individuals face within the sport, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Despite his dismissal, Coote has continued to assert his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. He remains under investigation by the Football Association related to alleged betting breaches, claiming, “I received nothing for it... I'm really disappointed... because it tarnishes the integrity of the game.”
His last officiated match was on November 9, 2024, and since then, Coote has prioritized mental health and wellbeing, aspiring to share his experiences more openly and perhaps leverage them for positive change within football.
Now, Coote’s future remains uncertain, but he hopes to rise above the challenges he has faced. His story echoes the reality of many professionals grappling with personal issues behind closed doors, emphasizing the need for progress within sports culture.