Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty to a charge of making an indecent image of a child, following a police investigation earlier this year.
The 43-year-old, who was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2023, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Court Appearance
Coote, of Woodhill Road in Collingham, Nottinghamshire, spoke briefly during the 18-minute hearing to confirm his name, date of birth, and enter a plea of not guilty. He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 9 October.
The charge relates to a video file recovered by Nottinghamshire Police in February. According to investigators, the offence falls under the legal definition of “making an indecent image of a child,” which can include downloading, sharing, or saving abusive material.
Background
Coote enjoyed a lengthy refereeing career, officiating at the highest level of English football, including Premier League fixtures. He also represented English referees in European competitions.
However, his career began to unravel late last year when a leaked video surfaced showing disparaging comments he made about then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in 2020. The clip raised questions about his professionalism and impartiality, leading to disciplinary proceedings.
In December 2023, PGMOL confirmed Coote’s dismissal, citing breaches of conduct that undermined trust in refereeing standards. Soon after, UEFA issued a ban preventing him from officiating in European competitions until 30 June 2026.
Legal Context
The current charge against Coote is far more serious. Under UK law, offences involving indecent images of children carry significant penalties, including custodial sentences and restrictions on working with vulnerable groups.
“Making” in legal terms does not necessarily mean producing original material but can also refer to the act of downloading, storing, or sharing such content. The Crown Prosecution Service will present evidence at the next court hearing.
Reaction
The case has shocked sections of the football community, where referees are often expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity both on and off the pitch. While Coote was a controversial figure during his time in the Premier League, particularly after high-profile VAR decisions, few anticipated such allegations.
So far, neither PGMOL nor UEFA have commented on the ongoing case. The Football Association also declined to issue a statement, citing the active legal proceedings.
Fans and pundits, however, have expressed mixed views on social media. Some remain sceptical of the allegations, citing his fall from favour with football authorities as a possible backdrop. Others insist the seriousness of the charges demands a thorough legal process before drawing conclusions.
What Comes Next
Coote’s next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court in October will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial. If found guilty, he could face severe legal consequences, in addition to the permanent damage already done to his professional reputation.
Until then, the former referee remains on conditional bail.
The case has once again placed a spotlight on the pressures and personal conduct of match officials, a group often scrutinised but rarely embroiled in such criminal allegations.
As the legal process unfolds, Coote maintains his innocence. The football world, meanwhile, watches closely as one of its former top referees faces one of the most serious accusations possible.
