Ex-referee David Coote, who called Klopp a 'c***,' comes out as gay

David Coote reveals struggles with sexuality, cocaine use, and fallout from his dismissal as a premier league referee.

Former Premier League referee David Coote, dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in 2024, has publicly come out as gay and admitted to using cocaine to cope with personal struggles.

Coote's refereeing career ended following a "serious breach" of contract.

A video of him criticising Liverpool and manager Jürgen Klopp in offensive terms, alongside another video allegedly showing him using a white powder after officiating during Euro 2024, led to his dismissal.

The video contains strong language.

Speaking to The Sun (UK), Coote shared the challenges of hiding his sexuality in football’s “macho world.”

He explained, “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21 or to my friends until I was 25.”

Coote admitted that pressure, low self-esteem, and the fear of additional abuse as an openly gay referee contributed to his struggles. “I’ve had deeply unpleasant abuse during my career. Adding my sexuality would have made it worse. Discrimination remains an issue in football and society,” he said.

He also addressed his cocaine use, calling it an escape from the relentless stress of officiating. “It’s not something I relied on regularly, but it became an outlet. It fills me with shame,” Coote admitted.

PGMOL suspended Coote immediately after the video criticising Liverpool emerged, confirming his sacking last month. Coote chose not to appeal the decision.

The Football Association launched its own investigation, focusing on Coote’s comments about Klopp and whether they breached misconduct rules. UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to examine the video showing Coote allegedly using cocaine during Euro 2024.

Fans reacted to the news of Coote's interview with a mixed reception. Many questioned why Coote had decided to come out with the statement only after being sacked by the PGMOL.

Some users also pondered whether or not Coote was using the 'gay card' to get back into the public eye.