David Coote has admitted he turned to drugs as a result of the fear of coming out as gay as a Premier League referee in his first interview since being sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Coote was dismissed in December after being “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”.
It followed an investigation into a video, which remains unverified, that appeared to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was widely circulated on social media in November.
The PGMOL investigation also covered a second video which emerged in November, appearing to show Coote allegedly snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.
Coote refuted an allegation he discussed giving a yellow card before Leeds’ match against West Brom in October 2019. The FA is investigating the allegation.
In an interview with The Sun released on Monday night, Coote, 42, said: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.
“I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.
“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.
“And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”
He added: “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.
“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”
Sky Sports News has also been given a statement by Coote.
It read: “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me.
“I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love.
“I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.
“My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.
“Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.
“Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express.”
Sky Sports News has approached the PGMOL for comment in response to Coote’s interview with The Sun and statement.
Timeline: What led to Coote’s dismissal by PGMOL…
Saturday November 9 2024: Coote referees Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa.
Monday November 11: An unverified video of Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp circulates on social media.
Monday November 11: PGMOL suspends Coote and launches an investigation.
Tuesday November 12: FA begins own investigation into Coote video.
Tuesday November 12: Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb says on Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up that PGMOL taking the incident “very seriously”.
Thursday November 14: PGMOL aware of new video appearing to show Coote snorting a white powder while reportedly working at Euro 2024.
Wednesday November 27: FA investigating allegations Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game as reported by The Sun. Coote refutes allegations.
Monday December 9: Coote sacked by PGMOL.
