Former Premier League referee David Coote apologizes after sacking amid controversy, comes out as gay
Former Premier League referee David Coote has publicly apologized for the behavior that led to his dismissal by PGMOL, English soccer’s referees’ body, last month. Coote revealed that the pressures of the job and the fear of abuse related to his sexuality contributed to his struggles.
The 42-year-old, who officiated over 100 top-flight matches, was suspended in November after a video circulated online allegedly showing him making disparaging comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.
"I want to apologise to anybody who I've offended by my actions... you can tell by the video I wasn't sober," Coote shared in an interview with The Sun on Monday.
Coote also revealed that hiding his sexuality as a gay man led him to turn to drugs. "I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref, and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult," he explained.
"My sexuality isn't the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I'm not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I've had real struggles dealing with hiding that.
"I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well, a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being," Coote admitted.
Coote’s suspension by PGMOL on Nov. 11 gained further attention when The Sun released another video allegedly showing him snorting a white substance while officiating during Euro 2024 qualifiers. The footage prompted UEFA to open a separate investigation.
The former referee, who also officiated at the Tokyo Olympics, admitted he was in an "incredibly dark place" at the time the video surfaced.
"In 2023, I lost my mum very suddenly. At the same time, my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease," he said.
Coote also pointed to the strain caused by his professional workload, particularly following the introduction of VAR. "After COVID and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position, escaping," he admitted.
"I don't recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can't resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling, and it tarnishes the integrity of the game."
Coote revealed that he has since undergone therapy and overcome his drug habit, though he continues to feel shame over his actions.
"I'm guilty of doing what I did, but I'm trying to be the best person that I can be now. I've taken steps to improve my physical and mental wellbeing," he said.
To others facing similar challenges, Coote shared an important message: "I'd say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way."
SportsLigue