Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay in an interview with The Sun, which he says led him to behaviour that he “deeply regrets” including the use of recreational drugs such as cocaine, during his career.
Due to the fear of abuse, he kept his sexuality a secret, he says his behaviour was part of the reason which led him to getting the sack from refereeing and that he was not sober during his spout at Jurgen Klopp when he was the manager at Liverpool FC.
Coote admitted this behaviour resulted from the pressure of his job, but made it known that it was not the only reason that led him to be in that position.
David Coote has been banned from refereeing since the video surfaced of him shouting abuse at Klopp, the ban was enforced on the 11th of November last year.
The ex-referee said: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.” and that he has “been in an incredibly dark place” since the Euros in 2024, where he was taking part in the use of recreational drugs, which also quickly surfaced to the news.
He mentioned that without the help of friends and family, it’s unlikely he would be here today.
Coote encouraged those who are in a similar situation to himself to: “seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with the use of drugs or alcohol, there are different helplines which are available for you to contact to get help:
Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
Drugs addicts anonymous: 0300 030 3000
Narcotics anonymous UK: 0300 999 121
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