Former Premier League referee David Coote has publicly come out as gay, revealing his struggles with his sexuality and admitting to using cocaine as a coping mechanism.

In an interview with The UK Sun, the 42-year-old reflected on the controversies that ended his career. Coote was dismissed last year after the PGMOL found him guilty of “seriously breaching” his contract.

His dismissal followed leaked videos showing him calling Liverpool “s***” and insulting then-manager Jürgen Klopp. Another video allegedly showed Coote snorting a white substance after serving as a VAR official during Euro 2024.

Speaking for the first time since the incidents, Coote opened up about his personal struggles:
“I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21 and to my friends until I was 25. My sexuality isn’t the only reason I found myself in that position, but hiding it had a profound impact on me.”

He added, “As a referee, hiding emotions was useful, but as a human being, it was damaging. That led to behaviors I deeply regret.”

Following the leaked videos, Coote was suspended and later dismissed. He chose not to appeal the decision and has now broken his silence to reflect on his journey.