David Coote – the name has become synonymous with both the intricacies and controversies of modern football officiating. From his rise through the refereeing ranks to his prominent role in the Premier League and subsequent high-profile departure, Coote’s journey offers a compelling insight into the demanding world of professional football referees. This article delves into his career, notable incidents, public perception, and the latest developments surrounding his post-officiating life.

From Local Pitches to Premier League Stardom

David Coote’s officiating career began at a young age, starting at sixteen and working his way up through various non-league divisions. He honed his craft in the Notts Alliance League, the Northern Counties East Football League, the Northern Premier League, and the Conference North. His dedication and competence saw him promoted to the Football League’s assistant referee list, before eventually becoming a Football League referee in 2010.

A significant milestone in his early career was refereeing the 2014 League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium, a testament to his growing reputation. His Premier League debut came in April 2018, officiating a match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion. Following this, he was swiftly promoted to Select Group 1, the elite group of referees for the Premier League, for the 2018-19 season. This marked him as one of the country’s most promising officials, and he went on to oversee more than 100 top-flight games, including the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2023.

Controversies and Scrutiny: A Referee’s Reality

Like many top-tier referees, Coote found himself frequently under the spotlight, particularly with the advent and increasing prominence of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). His decisions, both on-field and as a VAR official, often became subjects of intense debate and media scrutiny.

A particularly notable incident that drew considerable attention involved a match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020. Liverpool’s then-manager Jurgen Klopp was critical of Coote’s officiating, claiming he was too lenient on challenges made against his players. This incident, among others, contributed to a narrative of Coote having a difficult relationship with Liverpool, a perception that would later resurface with significant consequences.

His VAR involvement also garnered significant attention. For instance, in the October 2020 Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, Coote was the VAR when Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk went unpunished, and a stoppage-time goal from Jordan Henderson was disallowed for offside. These decisions led to Liverpool formally asking the Premier League to review them, highlighting the immense pressure and scrutiny faced by VAR officials. Data on his VAR decisions, particularly those involving Liverpool, shows several instances where his interventions led to overturned on-field calls.

The Events Leading to His Dismissal

The latter part of 2024 saw a series of deeply damaging events unfold that ultimately led to David Coote’s dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). In November 2024, a video circulated on social media, allegedly showing Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. This unverified video quickly gained traction, prompting PGMOL to suspend him with immediate effect and launch a full investigation. The Football Association also initiated its own inquiry.

Adding to the controversy, further allegations emerged. The Sun newspaper published photographs, purportedly taken during Euro 2024, which appeared to show Coote sniffing a white powder. UEFA, where he was listed as a VAR for the tournament, also opened an ethics investigation, subsequently banning him from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026, citing a violation of “basic rules of decent conduct” and “bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”

Furthermore, the FA opened a new investigation following an allegation that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. While Coote consistently denied these specific allegations, the accumulation of incidents created an untenable position for him. In December 2024, the PGMOL announced his immediate sacking, stating his actions were a “serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract.”

Beyond the Pitch: Personal Revelations and Public Response

In the aftermath of his dismissal, David Coote spoke out publicly, offering a candid account of his personal struggles and revealing his sexuality. In an interview with The Sun in January 2025, he disclosed that he is gay and had struggled with his identity, admitting that the pressure of his work contributed to the behaviours that led to his sacking. He expressed remorse for his actions and the negative light they cast on the game, hoping his experiences could be used positively in the future.

This revelation sparked a different kind of public discourse. While the initial reactions to the controversies were largely critical and fuelled conspiracy theories among football fans, his personal disclosure garnered a degree of empathy and understanding. Prominent figures, such as former international rugby referee Nigel Owens, publicly supported Coote, highlighting the ongoing issues of homophobia in sport and the pressures faced by individuals in such high-profile roles. Owens stated he understood why Coote might have felt the need to hide his sexuality, underscoring the importance of creating a more inclusive environment in football.

The Aftermath and Future Outlook

David Coote’s departure from professional football officiating marked a significant turning point in his life. The immediate impact was the loss of his career as a Premier League referee and the UEFA ban. However, his willingness to share his story has opened up new avenues. He has since been positioned as a speaker on topics such as football, refereeing, LGBTQ+ issues, VAR expertise, communication, decision-making, dealing with pressure, and mental health. His story of resilience and self-acceptance is seen as a powerful message for others in similar situations.

The incidents involving Coote also reignited broader conversations about referee integrity, the impact of social media on officials, and the mental well-being of those working in the high-pressure environment of professional football. PGMOL, under Howard Webb, has emphasised transparency and honesty in addressing such issues, though the incidents undoubtedly fueled existing fan conspiracy theories about bias in officiating.

As of early 2025, Coote continues to grapple with the repercussions of his past actions while forging a new path. His journey serves as a potent reminder of the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in the public eye, particularly within the passionate and often unforgiving world of football.

FAQs

What was David Coote’s role in football?

David Coote was a prominent English football referee who officiated primarily in the Premier League. He was also a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and, before his dismissal, was part of Select Group 1, the elite group of English referees.

What were the main controversies surrounding David Coote?

The main controversies that led to his dismissal involved a video circulated on social media, allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Additionally, allegations of him sniffing a white powder at Euro 2024 emerged, and an investigation into claims he discussed giving a yellow card before a match in 2019 was also launched.

What personal revelations did David Coote make after his dismissal?

After his dismissal, David Coote publicly revealed in an interview that he is gay and had struggled with his sexuality for a long period. He also admitted that the pressure of his professional life contributed to the behaviours that led to his sacking.

How has public perception of David Coote changed?

Initially, public perception was largely negative, dominated by criticism and accusations of bias, especially following the controversial videos. However, after his personal revelations about his sexuality and struggles with mental health, a degree of empathy and support emerged, leading to more nuanced discussions about the pressures on football officials and LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

What is David Coote doing now?

Following his dismissal, David Coote has been engaging in public speaking, sharing his experiences and insights on topics such as football, refereeing, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and dealing with pressure. His focus is on using his story to inspire and educate.

Did David Coote have a history of controversial VAR decisions involving Liverpool?

Yes, David Coote was involved in several controversial VAR decisions concerning Liverpool, notably in the October 2020 Merseyside derby where a challenge on Virgil van Dijk went unpunished and a Jordan Henderson goal was disallowed. These incidents contributed to a perception of him having a contentious relationship with the club.

What was his career highlight as a referee?

Among his career highlights, David Coote refereed the 2014 League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium and, more significantly, the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. He also officiated over 100 Premier League matches.

Final Thought

David Coote’s journey from a promising referee to a figure at the centre of significant controversies and then to a public advocate for mental well-being and LGBTQ+ issues is a compelling narrative. His story underscores the intense scrutiny and unique pressures faced by football officials, particularly in the age of pervasive social media and VAR. While his officiating career ended under a cloud, his openness about his struggles has added a human dimension to the often impersonal world of football governance. His path forward, utilising his experiences to inspire and educate, suggests a potential for positive impact beyond the white lines of the football pitch. The collective reaction, from fervent criticism to evolving empathy, reflects the ongoing societal conversations around mental health, identity, and the complex relationship between fans, officials, and the beautiful game.

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