David Coote’s name stands out in English football, both for his impressive rise as a Premier League referee and for the tumultuous controversies that ended his officiating career. From humble beginnings in Nottingham to international matches and ultimately public scandal, his journey offers valuable lessons about the scrutiny and pressures faced by match officials. This article offers a comprehensive overview of David Coote’s background, family, achievements, controversies, relationships, net worth, and his multifaceted legacy.
Early Life and Sporting Family
David Harry Coote was born on July 11, 1982, in Nottingham, England, into a family with deep sporting roots. His father, David Edward Coote, played professional cricket for Nottinghamshire, making sports a central part of David’s upbringing. Growing up with such a role model shaped David’s early passion for athletics and competition.
Coote excelled academically and athletically in local schools, immersing himself in football from an early age. This supportive and competitive environment provided him with the foundation to pursue refereeing, a career often overlooked but crucial in the world of sport.
Journey Into Officiating
David Coote’s officiating career began at just 16 years old, a testament to his ambition and dedication. He progressed rapidly through local and regional leagues, including Notts Alliance and Northern Counties East Football League, honing his skills and developing a reputation for fair, assertive decision-making.
By 2010, Coote was formally appointed as an assistant referee in the Football League and was later promoted to a full referee at the national level. His first Premier League appointment came in April 2018 during a match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, a pivotal moment that established him among the elite officials in English football.
Highlights and Achievements
During his career, David Coote was regularly selected for high-profile matches and critical appointments. Notable achievements include:
- Referring to he 2014 Football League One play-off final at Wembley
- Officiating more than 100 matches in the Premier League
- Referring to he 2023 EFL Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United
- Becoming a FIFA-listed referee from 2020 to 2022, working as a VAR at international competitions such as the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024, and the Olympic Games
His reliability and professionalism made him a respected figure in the industry, earning acknowledgement from peers and football authorities alike.
The Collapse: Controversies That Ended His Career
Despite years of accomplishment, David Coote’s career collapsed under the weight of scandal in late 2024.
The Klopp Incident and Social Media Fallout
The most explosive controversy erupted in November 2024, when a video surfaced showing David Coote making offensive remarks about Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool. In the video, Coote referred to Klopp with a string of expletives and criticised the Liverpool manager for perceived arrogance during previous matches, particularly a fixture under lockdown conditions.
Following the virality of the video, the Football Association (FA) charged Coote with an aggravated breach of conduct, citing abusive language and improper remarks that referenced nationality, which is contrary to FA Rules E3.1 and E3.2. The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) swiftly terminated Coote’s contract, marking an unprecedented dismissal for off-field behaviour by a top referee.
Gambling Allegations and UEFA Ban
Additional allegations surfaced in tabloid reports, suggesting Coote was involved in gambling misconduct related to match events. However, subsequent investigations found no evidence to support these claims.
The controversy intensified when another video appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder in a Paris hotel while attending UEFA Euro 2024 as a VAR. This led to a UEFA investigation and a ban from refereeing in Europe until June 2026, with authorities condemning his actions as “bringing the sport of football into disrepute” and violating basic standards of conduct.
Personal Life: Challenges and Advocacy
David Coote’s personal life became part of the public conversation after his public fall from grace. Following his dismissal, Coote came out as gay, discussing how years of hiding his sexuality in the high-pressure, masculine culture of professional football contributed to severe psychological stress. He acknowledged struggling with substance abuse during low points, exacerbated by fear and scrutiny.
Coote’s candour about seeking therapy and his efforts to rebuild his life made him an advocate for mental health and diversity within sport. His openness inspired conversations about the need for greater support and acceptance in athletic communities.
Relationships and Privacy
While speculation about David Coote’s romantic life followed his high-profile coming out, he has kept details of his relationships private. Coote emphasised the importance of personal boundaries and has not publicly shared information about a partner, focusing instead on personal healing and professional advocacy.
Net Worth, Salary, and Lifestyle
At the height of his career, David Coote earned a Premier League referee’s salary estimated at £35,000, with additional match fees raising total annual income close to £100,000. As of 2025, reports place his net worth in the region of £100,000, reflecting a stable but not extravagant lifestyle compared to football’s headline-making athletes.
Coote’s life reflected the discipline, accountability, and low public profile typical of referees, a group whose work is vital yet rarely celebrated.
Public Image and Ongoing Legacy
Despite an abrupt and controversial end to his career, David Coote remains a figure of interest. He continues as a speaker and advocate, encouraging workplaces and sports organisations to foster openness and support for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or personal struggles.
His story is a vivid illustration of the precarious balance faced by match officials, who are called to uphold fairness amid intense scrutiny and sometimes face derision or public backlash. The ripple effect of his career’s twists challenges football and society to build more compassionate and resilient environments.
FAQs About David Coote
Who is David Coote?
David Coote is an English former football referee who officiated over 100 Premier League matches, served as a FIFA-listed referee, and worked as a VAR at major international tournaments before his career ended in scandal.
What accomplishments define Coote’s refereeing career?
Coote officiated major finals, was promoted rapidly through the ranks, and was chosen for Premier League, EFL, and international assignments by FIFA and UEFA—milestones uncommon for most referees.
What led to David Coote’s dismissal?
Coote was sacked by PGMOL after a video surfaced showing him making abusive remarks about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and after further images emerged involving inappropriate conduct at UEFA Euro 2024. He was also banned by UEFA until 2026.
Was David Coote involved in gambling misconduct?
No. While reports suggested Coote might have been involved in match-related gambling, official investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing.
How did David Coote’s personal life affect his career?
Coote struggled with mental health and substance abuse due to pressures associated with concealing his sexuality and media scrutiny, issues he has addressed openly since coming out as gay.
What is David Coote’s net worth?
Estimates place Coote’s net worth around £100,000, accumulated primarily through his refereeing career and speaking engagements after retirement.
Is David Coote still involved in football?
No. After being banned and dismissed, Coote has focused on advocacy and mental health work, appearing as a speaker but not returning to officiate.
Did Coote ever discuss his relationships publicly?
Coote has spoken about his sexuality and challenges but has kept details of his romantic relationships private, emphasising personal privacy.
What lessons do Coote’s experiences offer football?
Coote’s story highlights the need for better support systems for referees and players facing public scrutiny, bullying, or prejudice, especially regarding mental health and openness about sexuality.
