David Coote, a former Premier League referee who officiated over 100 top-flight matches, has spoken publicly about his sexuality and the immense pressures of his career. In a candid interview, Coote revealed he hid his identity as a gay man throughout his time in football, fearing the abuse and stigma it could bring.
The 42-year-old said the demands of his job, combined with personal struggles, led to behaviors that ultimately caused his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024.
“A Deep Sense of Shame”
Speaking to The Sun, Coote described the emotional toll of hiding his sexuality, which he disclosed to his parents at 21 and friends at 25. “I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he shared. “I received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref, and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”
He said this internal conflict contributed to behaviors that left him ashamed. “I hid my emotions as a young ref and my sexuality as well—a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being.”
Controversies and Misconduct
Coote’s career came under scrutiny after a video surfaced in November 2024, showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp. Days later, photos published during the European Championship appeared to show him using drugs. Coote apologized for his actions, explaining he was not sober in the video and was in a difficult place mentally.
“This has been one of the most challenging periods of my life,” Coote said in a separate statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell far below what was expected of me.”
The Football Association (FA) and UEFA have launched investigations into his conduct, while Coote maintains that the images do not reflect who he is today.
A Career Under Pressure
In addition to personal struggles, Coote cited the overwhelming demands of officiating as a factor in his actions. He officiated over 90 games globally in the 2023–24 season, including the European Championship and Olympics.
“The physical and psychological demands on match officials are really significant,” he said. “I didn’t recognize myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me escaping the pressure.”
Coote also revealed that he faced death threats during his career, with some directed at his late mother. His home was fitted with an accelerated response tag to ensure quick police access during emergencies.
A Message of Redemption
Having undergone therapy, Coote says he is now free of his drug habit and working to rebuild his life. He expressed deep regret for his actions and offered advice to others facing similar struggles.
“To anyone in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody. If you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way.”
Coote’s revelations come as the football world grapples with issues of abuse toward referees, with recent threats against referee Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s game against Wolves.
Despite his tumultuous journey, Coote remains hopeful about the future, focusing on personal growth and advocating for mental health awareness in sports.
