LONDON — David Coote, a former referee in the Premier League, has publicly shared that he is gay, indicating that concealing his sexual orientation contributed to the inappropriate behavior that led to his dismissal last year.
Coote faced suspension in November after footage surfaced showing him making disparaging remarks about Jürgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool. Following an investigation carried out by the English referees’ authority, Coote was ultimately dismissed in December.
In a conversation with a media outlet, Coote expressed, “While my sexuality is not the sole reason for my situation, it plays a significant role in my narrative. Acknowledging my identity is essential, especially as I have battled with the need to hide it.”
He elaborated on feeling the need to conceal his emotions and sexual identity during his early years as a referee, a behavior he described as commendable in a professional context but detrimental to his personal well-being. This struggle, he suggested, led to negative behavioral patterns.
Coote admitted that he was “not sober” when he commented on Klopp and the Liverpool team, noting the video of his remarks was recorded by a friend and that he had completely forgotten about it. “I was merely waiting for my car to be serviced when I got notified that the video had emerged online. It’s evident that I was not in a clear state of mind, and I truly regret finding myself in such a position,” he shared.
He also extended his regrets to those he might have offended, acknowledging that his behavior was far below the standards expected from someone officiating at a high level. “I truly regret my words and actions,” he noted.
Following the initial controversy, another video surfaced, showing Coote using cocaine during last year’s European Championship. He expressed, “I do not recognize the person in that video. It reflects a moment in time that doesn’t resonate with how I feel now.”
Coote described feelings of being overwhelmed by the demanding schedule of officiating, which led him to seek an escape. “I’ve had phases without substance use, but it became a means to cope with the relentless pressures of the job. Admitting this fills me with immense shame,” he stated.
Furthermore, he recounted receiving death threats along with his late mother in response to decisions he made during matches. Coote used his experience to highlight how relentless verbal abuse from fans and online could severely impact the mental well-being of officials on the field.
“Every referee, from grassroots to the Premier League, is a person first and foremost,” he emphasized. “They experience feelings and emotions, even if they remain unexpressed. Experiencing abuse can take a toll, and I’ve faced the consequences myself, sometimes leading to poor choices.”
Coote expressed hope that future referees might make wiser decisions and call for a reduction in the scrutiny and abuse officials face, ultimately shedding light on the significant effects such experiences can have on an individual.
