Former Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay in a candid interview, two months after his career came to a sudden end following the release of explosive videos.
The 42-year-old admitted that his struggles with his sexuality and drug use played a significant role in his fall from grace. Coote explained that his decision to turn to cocaine was driven by the pressures of living in a “macho world” within the Premier League, where he feared that revealing his true self would lead to rejection.
Coote’s journey of self-acceptance has been a long one. He revealed that he didn’t come out to his parents until the age of 21 and to his friends until he was 25. “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years,” Coote shared. “My sexuality isn’t the only reason I ended up in that position, but I can’t tell an authentic story without acknowledging that I am gay and the struggles that came with hiding it.” He confessed that, as a young referee, he had hidden his emotions and his sexuality, traits that, while valuable in his professional life, took a personal toll.
The former referee’s battle with drugs was another significant aspect of his struggles. While Coote emphasized that he was not dependent on cocaine on a regular basis, he admitted that it became an escape mechanism for dealing with the overwhelming stresses of his demanding job. “It was one of the escape routes I had,” he said, expressing regret over his actions. “I don’t recognize myself in that cocaine video. Also, 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.”
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Coote’s career came crashing down after the leak of two damaging videos. In the first, he made disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and in the second, he was shown allegedly sniffing a white powder. The PGMOL, the governing body responsible for Premier League referees, swiftly investigated the videos, concluding that Coote’s behavior made his position as a top-level referee untenable. As a result, he was dismissed from his role in December.
The decision to fire Coote was met with disappointment, but the PGMOL did express a commitment to his welfare. In a statement, the organization acknowledged the severity of Coote’s actions but also pledged to support him moving forward. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare,” they said. This message of support reflects the organization’s focus on the well-being of its employees, despite the serious breaches of conduct.
Coote’s emotional interview marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he is no longer hiding behind a mask of secrecy. While his career in officiating is over, his decision to come out and confront his past head-on is a step toward healing. Coote has expressed his regret over the choices he made and hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others facing similar struggles.
