(EPICSTORIAN) – Former Premier League referee David Coote has spoken publicly for the first time since his dismissal by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December.
In a candid interview, Coote, 42, admitted he turned to drugs as he struggled with the pressures of hiding his sexuality while officiating at the highest level of English football.
Coote was dismissed for what PGMOL described as a “serious breach” of his contract, making his position “untenable.”
His sacking followed an investigation into unverified videos—one allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp, and another purportedly depicting him snorting a white powder.
UEFA subsequently launched an ethics probe, as Coote had been serving as an assistant VAR during Euro 2024.
In an interview with The Sun, Coote revealed the emotional toll of his hidden sexuality and its impact on his mental health.
“I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years,” Coote admitted. “I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21, and I didn’t tell my friends until I was 25.”
Coote Spoke Up About His Sexuality
He explained that suppressing his emotions became second nature, both as a referee and in his personal life. “Hiding my sexuality felt necessary, but it took a toll. It was a useful skill on the pitch but a terrible one as a human being.”
Coote acknowledged that his sexuality wasn’t the sole factor in his struggles but emphasized its significant role in his self-esteem issues.
“I’ve received deeply unpleasant abuse throughout my career. Adding my sexuality to that would have made it even harder,” he said.
Acknowledging Responsibility
In a statement provided to Sky Sports News, Coote expressed remorse for his actions and the controversy surrounding his dismissal.
“This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell far below what was expected of me.”
He extended his apologies to those affected by the scandal and admitted his past behavior did not reflect the person he is today.
“My focus now is on prioritizing my mental health and well-being. I hope to use my experiences to contribute positively to football in the future,” Coote stated.
He also expressed gratitude for the support he has received. “I want to thank my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL, Howard Webb, and many others in football. The encouragement from strangers has meant more than I can properly express.”
The Football Association (FA) continues to investigate claims that the ex-premier league referee discussed issuing a yellow card before a 2019 match between Leeds and West Brom. PGMOL has yet to comment on Coote’s interview.
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Ex-premier League Referee David Coote Admits Drug Use, Says Fear of Coming Out as Gay Affected Mental Health
‘Hiding My Sexuality Took a Huge Toll’ After Premier League Referee Sacking
