David Coote has come out as gay in his first interview since he was sacked as a Premier League referee last month, with the official also admitting he used cocaine as an escape
David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has revealed significant personal and professional struggles in his first interview since being dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Coote came out as gay, shared his battles with self-esteem, and admitted to using cocaine as an escape during his career. His revelations shed light on the pressures of officiating in football’s top leagues and the personal toll it took on his life.
The Scandal That Ended His Career
Coote’s refereeing career came to an abrupt halt in 2024 following a series of incidents that led to his dismissal. The PGMOL terminated his contract after videos emerged of him making offensive remarks about Liverpool and their manager, Jurgen Klopp, as well as allegedly snorting a white substance shortly after officiating as a VAR during the Euro 2024 tournament.
In one clip, Coote referred to Liverpool as “s***” and Klopp as a “German c***.” The remarks sparked outrage among fans and officials alike, resulting in an investigation by PGMOL. Another video purportedly showed Coote engaging in drug use, raising further concerns about his conduct. Coote was suspended during the investigation, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, also launched an ethics investigation into the matter, particularly scrutinizing his alleged behavior during the Euro 2024 tournament.
Coming Out: Facing Challenges in a ‘Macho World’
In a deeply personal admission, Coote disclosed that he had struggled with his sexuality throughout his career. He revealed that he came out to his parents at 21 and to his friends at 25, but he chose to remain closeted in the public sphere due to the “macho world” of professional football.
“I’ve had issues around my self-esteem—and that relates to my sexuality,” Coote said. “I’m gay, and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time. The culture in football made it difficult to be open about who I truly am.”
Coote highlighted the abuse referees often face as a significant deterrent to coming out during his career. “I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref, and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult. I didn’t want to put my head above the parapet to be shot at,” he explained.
Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Abuse
The former referee also opened up about turning to cocaine as a coping mechanism for the immense pressure and stress of his role. “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day or week by week, but it was one of the escape routes I had,” Coote admitted. “Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”
Coote acknowledged that the high-pressure environment of officiating in the Premier League, combined with his internal struggles, contributed to his actions. “I hid my emotions as a young referee, and I hid my sexuality as well. It’s a good quality as a referee, but a terrible quality as a human being,” he added.
Apologies and Reflections
Coote has since apologized for his offensive comments about Klopp and Liverpool, expressing deep regret for his behavior. “I am incredibly sorry for the remarks I made. They were completely unacceptable and do not reflect who I am,” he said.
He also reflected on the impact of his actions on his career and personal life, acknowledging the need for accountability and self-improvement. “What I said and did was wrong, and I take full responsibility. I’m working on becoming a better person and learning from my mistakes,” Coote stated.
The Broader Impact on Football and Society
Coote’s story underscores the challenges faced by referees and officials in the world of professional football. The intense scrutiny, abuse, and expectations often create a difficult working environment, with few avenues for support.
His decision to come out as gay is a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in football, particularly in officiating roles. Coote’s openness may encourage others in similar positions to feel less isolated and more supported. However, he emphasized the need for systemic change to address discrimination and foster inclusivity in football.
“There’s a lot to be done throughout football and society with regard to discrimination,” Coote said. “We need to create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgment or abuse.”
Life After Refereeing
Following his dismissal, Coote chose not to appeal the decision, focusing instead on rebuilding his life and finding new paths forward. While his career in professional football has come to an end, he remains committed to raising awareness about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues in the sport.
As he reflects on his journey, Coote hopes to use his experiences to drive positive change. “I want to be part of a conversation that helps football and society move forward. My story isn’t just about mistakes—it’s also about resilience and the importance of being true to yourself,” he concluded.
A Wake-Up Call for Football
David Coote’s revelations highlight the urgent need for greater support systems and cultural shifts within football. His story serves as a reminder that the pressures of the game extend far beyond the pitch and that fostering inclusivity, compassion, and understanding is essential for the sport’s future.
The PGMOL, UEFA, and football organizations worldwide must continue working to address the systemic issues that contributed to Coote’s struggles. By creating a more supportive environment, football can take a significant step toward ensuring that all participants—players, referees, and officials alike—feel valued and respected.
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