David Coote has revealed that his sexual orientation contributed to what led to his sacking.
Former Premier League referee David Coote, has broken his silence in a tell-all interview, revealing how struggles with his sexuality and self-esteem contributed to the downfall of his career.
Dismissed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last year, the 42-year-old career unravelled after leaked videos showed him insulting former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and snorting a white substance, later confirmed to be cocaine.
“I’ve had issues around my self-esteem – and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay, and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” Coote admitted exclusively to The Sun.
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Reflecting on the pressures of refereeing at the highest level, he explained how he sought unhealthy escapes from the stress.
“I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I was struggling with the schedule, and there was no opportunity to stop. That was me escaping.”
Coote also addressed allegations of agreeing with a friend to award a yellow card during a match.
“There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle. I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game,” he said.
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14:30 - 10.12.2024
David Coote: 5 defining moments of sacked Premier League referee
PGMOL terminated David Coote's contract after an investigation confirmed a breach of conduct.
I felt shame — Coote opens up on his sexuality
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In the candid interview, Coote detailed the toll his hidden sexuality took on his personal and professional life.
“I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21, or to my friends until I was 25. My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to that position, but I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay.”
He revealed how fear of abuse in the football world prevented him from being open about his identity.
“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref, and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”
While Coote remains under investigation by the FA for claims related to match-fixing, his story highlights the immense pressures referees face behind the scenes.