Former Premier League referee David Coote has revealed the personal and professional struggles that led to his dismissal by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December. In a candid interview, Coote discussed hiding his sexuality, his mental health challenges, and a battle with substance abuse during his career.
Struggles with Sexuality and Abuse:
- Coote, 42, disclosed he is gay but felt compelled to hide his sexuality throughout his refereeing career due to fears of abuse from fans.
- “I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he admitted. “To add my sexuality to the abuse I’ve already faced would have been really difficult.”
Viral Videos and Controversies:
- Coote’s sacking followed the emergence of videos that portrayed him in a negative light. One video showed him using offensive language to describe former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, calling him “fcking arrogant” and an “absolute cnt.”
- Another video appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, allegedly during his stint as a VAR assistant at Euro 2024. UEFA appointed an ethics investigator to probe the matter.
- Coote also denied allegations that he discussed giving a yellow card before Leeds United’s match against West Brom in 2019, an ongoing FA investigation.
Mental Health and Substance Use:
Coote explained how the relentless pressures of his career led him to drug use as an escape.
- “I don’t recognize myself in the cocaine video,” he said. “It fills me with shame, but it was a way to cope with the stresses and the relentlessness of the job.”
- He emphasized that drug use was not habitual but rather a reaction to extreme pressure.
Steps Toward Recovery:
Coote shared that he has since stopped using drugs and is focusing on rebuilding his life with the support of loved ones.
- “I’m trying to be the best person I can be now, both physically and mentally,” he said.
- He encouraged others facing similar struggles to seek help, adding, “If you bottle it up like I did, it has to come out in some way.”
Reflection and Moving Forward:
Despite his tumultuous career, Coote expressed a sense of relief since his dismissal. “I’ve re-evaluated what’s important—spending quality time with family and friends and ensuring I’m in the best place to move forward,” he said.
Coote’s story highlights the hidden struggles of officials in high-pressure roles, shedding light on the importance of mental health support within professional sports.
