
David Coote’s Dismissal from the Premier League
David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has openly shared his struggles with his sexuality and substance use following his dismissal in December. David Coote, who officiated at the highest level of English football, was removed from his position after an independent investigation uncovered troubling behavior, including derogatory comments directed at Jurgen Klopp and revelations about drug use.
The Role of Sexuality in David Coote’s Struggles
In a candid interview with The Sun, Coote revealed the difficulties he faced hiding his sexuality throughout his life. “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular,” he said. David Coote explained that he didn’t come out to his parents until he was 21 and only disclosed his sexuality to friends at the age of 25.

Hiding His True Self
Coote emphasized how his efforts to conceal his identity impacted his mental health and professional life. “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,” he admitted.
The referee’s profession demanded emotional restraint, a quality he found detrimental in his personal life. “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,” David Coote explained. “That led to a whole course of behaviors.”
Self-Esteem and Discrimination
Coote’s battle with low self-esteem tied directly to his sexuality. “I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he shared. He also highlighted the significant abuse referees face in football, which deterred him from being open about his sexuality. “There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination,” he stated.

The Impact of the Football Calendar on David Coote’s Mental Health
Coote pointed to the “relentlessness” of modern football as a significant factor in his struggles. The pressure of officiating over 90 matches during the 2023/24 season took a severe toll on his well-being. “After COVID and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game,” he explained. This intense workload included assignments for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia, the Euros, and the Olympics.
Personal Losses and Professional Pressure
The emotional strain was compounded by personal tragedies. “In 2023, I lost my mum very suddenly,” David Coote revealed. “At the same time, my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.” Balancing grief with the demands of a packed football calendar left David Coote struggling to cope.
Drug Use as an Escape
A photograph published by The Sun depicted David Coote using cocaine during a party, and the former referee admitted to occasional drug use as a means of escape. “It was one of the escape routes I had,” Coote confessed. “Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”
Coote clarified that he was not dependent on cocaine but acknowledged the role it played in his coping mechanisms. “I don’t recognize myself in the cocaine video,” he admitted, referring to footage where he criticized Jurgen Klopp. “I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule, and there was no opportunity to stop.”

Living a Double Life
Reflecting on his experiences, David Coote described the challenges of leading a “double life.” On the field, he presented a composed exterior, fully immersed in the game. However, his personal life was marked by internal conflict. “Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game. But then I’d come home and it would be more difficult because I’m living a double sense of being,” he explained.
Advice to Others
To those in similar situations, David Coote offered heartfelt advice: “Seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way.”
Moving Forward
Coote is now focusing on rebuilding his life. He plans to spend time with family and friends while taking steps to ensure his well-being. “I’ll take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards,” he concluded.
Conclusion
David Coote’s story sheds light on the hidden struggles faced by individuals in high-pressure roles. His experiences highlight the importance of mental health support, acceptance, and openness in the football world and beyond. As David Coote embarks on a new chapter, his candid revelations serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges and resilience required to overcome adversity.