Key Takeaways:

• David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has come out as gay and revealed struggles with his sexuality.
• Coote's fear of abuse related to his sexuality contributed to a series of poor decisions, culminating in his dismissal in December 2024.
• He expressed deep regret over his actions, which included making derogatory comments about other professionals and drug use.
• The former referee emphasized the mental health challenges faced by officials in high-pressure environments.

David Coote, the former Premier League referee, has recently opened up about his struggles with his sexuality and how it influenced a series of poor choices leading to his dismissal last December by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Coote, who officiated over 100 top-flight games, stated that the pressure of maintaining a facade about his identity, compounded by the relentless scrutiny and abuse referees often face, significantly impacted his behavior and mental health.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Coote admitted, "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," revealing the profound sense of shame he felt during his younger years, particularly in not coming out until he was 21 years old to his parents and 25 to his friends.

His career took a downward turn following the release of videos in which he made derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and was seen using drugs while officiating at the European Championships. Coote acknowledged that he was "not sober" during these incidents, stating, "I don’t recognize myself in the cocaine video." He explained that these behaviors were merely attempts to escape the intense pressures associated with his profession.

Coote indicated that these struggles weren't solely personal; he also faced significant threats and abuse during his refereeing career, further compounding the stress he felt. He described how he and even his late mother received death threats pertaining to decisions he made on the field. In light of these experiences, Coote urged for greater understanding and support for referees, stating, "Every official that takes to the pitch is a human being, not just a referee." He expressed hope that his revelations might influence change regarding the treatment of officials within the sport.

As he comes to terms with his past and strives for personal recovery, Coote is committed to bettering himself, both in a physical and mental context. He emphasized the importance of seeking help, stating, "To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up... it has to come out in some way." His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that intersect in the life of a sports professional and the need for compassionate discourse around mental health and sexuality in athletics.

For further details, visit the BBC, AP News, and The Guardian.