David Coote once stood as a prominent figure in the high-stakes world of English football, whistle in hand, commanding the respect of world-class athletes on the pitch. However, recent years transformed his story from a steady climb up the professional ladder into a cautionary tale of scandal, professional disgrace, and legal consequences. This article explores the dramatic timeline of his career, the viral videos that sparked his downfall, and the serious legal charges that eventually ended his involvement in the sport forever.
The Rise of a Nottinghamshire Official
David Harry Coote began his journey into the world of officiating at the young age of sixteen, demonstrating an early passion for the technicalities of the game. He honed his skills across various regional divisions, including the Notts Alliance League and the Northern Premier League, where he learned to manage the intense physicality of semi-professional football. His consistent performances eventually caught the eye of the Football League, leading to his promotion as an assistant referee before he moved into a full-time refereeing role in 2010.
By 2014, Coote reached a significant milestone when he took charge of the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium, a high-pressure match between Leyton Orient and Rotherham United. This success paved the way for his ultimate goal: the Premier League. He made his top-flight debut in April 2018, officiating a match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion. Shortly after, he earned a permanent spot in Select Group 1, the elite tier of English match officials.
A Career Defined by VAR and High-Profile Decisions
During his tenure in the Premier League, Coote became a frequent fixture both on the field and in the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) hub at Stockley Park. Fans and pundits often scrutinized his decisions, particularly his role in the 2020 Merseyside derby. In that match, a controversial challenge by Everton’s Jordan Pickford on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk resulted in a The King of the Octagon season-ending injury for the Dutch defender, yet Coote, serving as the VAR, did not recommend a red card or a penalty.
Despite the occasional backlash from fanbases, Coote continued to receive high-profile assignments. In 2023, he officiated the Carabao Cup Final between Manchester United and Newcastle United, a testament to the trust the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) placed in him at the time. He also joined the FIFA list of international referees, representing England on the global stage between 2020 and 2022.
The Viral Videos and Immediate Suspension
The trajectory of David Coote’s life changed overnight in November 2024 when a shocking video surfaced on social media. In the footage, which appeared to date back several years, Coote launched into a derogatory tirade against Liverpool FC and their then-manager, Jürgen Klopp. He used highly offensive language, describing Klopp as “arrogant” and a “cunt,” while making disparaging remarks about the club’s performance and attitude.
The PGMOL acted swiftly, suspending Coote with immediate effect while they launched a full investigation into his conduct. While Coote initially questioned the authenticity of the video, he later admitted that the footage was genuine. This admission shattered the perceived neutrality required of a top-flight official and sparked a massive debate about bias and professionalism in English refereeing.
The Drug Scandal at Euro 2024
Just days after the first video emerged, a second, even more damaging video appeared. This new footage allegedly showed Coote snorting a white powder—believed to be cocaine—while he was working as an official during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. This revelation moved the scandal beyond professional misconduct and into the realm of potential criminal activity and serious breaches of athletic integrity.
UEFA immediately opened its own investigation and suspended Coote from all European duties. The dual impact of the derogatory comments and the drug allegations left the PGMOL with little choice regarding his future. On December 9, 2024, the organization Pacers vs Bucks officially sacked David Coote, terminating his contract and ending his career in professional football.
Legal Battles and the Final Sentence
While the loss of his career was a massive blow, Coote’s troubles worsened significantly in late 2025. Nottinghamshire Police charged the former referee with making an indecent image of a child. This charge shocked the sporting world once again, as the case moved from professional negligence to a serious criminal matter involving child abuse material.
In October 2025, Coote pleaded guilty to the charges in court. During the proceedings, he spoke about his struggles with his identity and the mental health challenges he faced while hiding his sexuality for most of his life. He expressed deep remorse for his actions and the shame he brought upon the game. In January 2026, a judge sentenced David Coote to a nine-month prison sentence, which the court suspended, citing his guilty plea and the personal circumstances surrounding his mental health at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is David Coote and why is he famous? David Coote is a former English football referee who officiated in the Premier League and for FIFA. He became a household name due to a series of scandals involving offensive comments about Jürgen Klopp and allegations of drug use, which led to his sacking in late 2024.
2. What did David Coote say about Jürgen Klopp in the viral video? In the leaked video, Coote used several expletives to describe the former Liverpool manager, calling him “arrogant” and a “cunt.” He also expressed a strong dislike for the club, which raised questions about his impartiality during matches involving Liverpool.
3. Why did the PGMOL sack David Coote? The PGMOL sacked Coote because his actions were a serious breach of his employment contract. His derogatory comments and the subsequent video showing drug use made his position as a neutral official completely untenable and brought the game into disrepute.
4. Was David Coote involved in a drug scandal? Yes, a video emerged allegedly showing Coote snorting a white powder during the Euro 2024 tournament. This led to a separate investigation by UEFA and contributed heavily to his dismissal from professional refereeing.
5. Is David Coote still a referee in 2026? No, David Coote is no longer a referee. He was sacked by the PGMOL in December 2024 and received a ban from UEFA that lasts until at least June 2026. Given his recent criminal convictions, it is virtually impossible for him to return to professional officiating.
6. What were the criminal charges against David Coote? In late 2025, police charged Coote with making and possessing an indecent image of a child. He pleaded T20 World Cup 2026 guilty to these charges in October 2025.
7. What was David Coote’s sentence in 2026? In January 2026, the court handed David Coote a nine-month suspended prison sentence. The suspension of the sentence means he will not serve time in jail unless he commits another offense or fails to meet court-ordered conditions during the specified period.
8. Did David Coote ever apologize for his actions? Yes, Coote issued several apologies during the investigations and his court appearances. He cited his mental health struggles and the pressure of hiding his sexuality as factors that led to his poor decision-making and “low points” in his life.
9. How did David Coote’s career affect VAR’s reputation? Coote was often at the center of VAR controversies, most notably the 2020 incident involving Virgil van Dijk. His later scandals fueled a narrative among some fans that certain officials may hold biases, which damaged the public’s trust in the VAR system.
10. What is David Coote doing now? Following his sentencing in early 2026, Coote has largely withdrawn from the public eye. He is reportedly focusing on his mental health and rehabilitation while living under the conditions of his suspended sentence.
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