David Coote, widely known as David Coote referee in football circles, is a name that has sparked both respect and debate within the English football community. As an official who rose through the ranks to referee in the Premier League, Coote once symbolized the new generation of English referees—young, composed, and technically proficient. However, his career later became overshadowed by controversy and disciplinary actions, ultimately ending his time as a top-flight match official. This article explores the complete story of David Coote referee—from his early days in Nottinghamshire to his Premier League rise, the high-profile matches he handled, and the scandals that led to his downfall.
Early Life and Background of David Coote Referee
David Harry Coote was born on 11 July 1982 in Nottingham, England. From a young age, he had a passion for football, but unlike many who dream of playing professionally, Coote’s interest lay in officiating.
He began refereeing at just 16, starting in the Notts Alliance League and other local competitions. His steady approach and strong understanding of the game quickly caught the attention of the Nottinghamshire Football Association, which supported his rise through the ranks.
By his early 20s, David Coote, the referee, was a regular official in semi-professional leagues such as the Northern Premier League and Conference North, earning respect for his control of the game and calm demeanor.
Rise Through the Football League
David Coote’s professional refereeing journey accelerated in the late 2000s. In 2010, he earned a spot on the Football League referees list, officiating League One and League Two matches.
His reputation grew when he was chosen to referee major games, including the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium in 2014, between Leyton Orient and Rotherham United. The match was a milestone moment, cementing his place among England’s promising officials.
Coote’s consistent performances earned him promotion into Select Group 2, a stepping stone toward the Premier League.
David Coote Referee: Premier League Debut
After years of dedication, David Coote referee made his Premier League debut on 28 April 2018, overseeing a match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion. His performance was well-received, and he soon became a regular in Select Group 1, the elite pool of referees assigned to top-tier matches.
In the following years, Coote handled high-pressure fixtures involving some of the biggest clubs in England, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
In 2023, he reached another highlight—refereeing the EFL Cup Final between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium. The appointment marked a peak in his career, demonstrating the trust placed in him by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Style and Approach as a Referee
As a referee, David Coote was known for his methodical decision-making, strong communication with players, and willingness to let the game flow. Unlike some officials who relied heavily on VAR interventions, Coote preferred to make confident on-field calls, earning praise from some managers for maintaining rhythm in matches.
He often emphasized the importance of “clarity and consistency” in refereeing decisions—a philosophy that resonated with the modern football ethos.
However, while his on-field authority was respected, his involvement in several contentious decisions later made him a target of criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Significant Controversies Involving David Coote Referee
Despite a promising career, David Coote referee became embroiled in multiple controversies that changed his professional trajectory.
VAR and High-Profile Mistakes
Coote’s time as a VAR official was marred by several disputed decisions. Notably, he faced backlash in 2020 for failing to recommend a red card review for Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk during a Merseyside derby. The incident left the Liverpool defender with a season-ending injury, sparking outrage from fans and analysts.
Although PGMOL defended the decision as a “human error,” the incident damaged Coote’s credibility among supporters of the Premier League champions.
The Video Scandal and Suspension
In November 2024, a viral video surfaced showing David Coote allegedly making derogatory comments about Liverpool F.C. and then-manager Jürgen Klopp. The footage prompted PGMOL to suspend the player immediately pending an investigation.
A month later, in December 2024, Coote was officially dismissed for a “serious breach of conduct.” The governing body stated that his position was “untenable” due to the damage caused to professional integrity.
Allegations of Drug Use and Misconduct
More controversy followed when another video emerged allegedly showing Coote snorting a white powder while serving as a VAR official during UEFA Euro 2024. UEFA took disciplinary action, and in February 2025, he received a ban until June 2026 for “bringing the game into disrepute.”
These revelations significantly tarnished his professional image, prompting fans and journalists to question the broader oversight of referees at elite levels.
FA Disciplinary Charges
In August 2025, the Football Association (FA) charged Coote under Rule E3.1 for using “abusive and insulting language” about Klopp. He admitted to the charge and was handed an eight-week suspension and ordered to attend an educational program on respect and professional conduct.
Legal Troubles
The situation escalated further in September 2025, when Nottinghamshire Police charged Coote with making an indecent image of a child—a Category A offense. The case remains under investigation, but the charge effectively ended his association with organized football.
Personal Life and Public Statement
In January 2025, David Coote made headlines for another reason—he publicly came out as gay. In a heartfelt interview, he admitted that years of hiding his sexuality had taken a toll on his mental health and influenced some of his poor personal choices.
He said, “I lived with fear and shame, trying to hide who I was. The stress of pretending, combined with the spotlight of football, made me lose sight of myself.”
While his admission drew widespread support from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, it also highlighted the immense pressure referees face in balancing their personal lives with professional expectations.
Reactions from the Football Community
The David Coote referee saga divided opinion across the football world.
- Players and coaches who had worked with him described him as “professional but isolated,” suggesting that mental strain may have contributed to his mistakes.
- Refereeing colleagues called his case a “wake-up call” for the football community to provide better mental-health support for officials.
- Fans on social media were less forgiving, demanding stricter accountability standards for referees in the Premier League.
PGMOL released a statement emphasizing its “commitment to maintaining professionalism and integrity in all facets of officiating,” reinforcing that misconduct, whether on or off the pitch, would not be tolerated.
David Coote Referee: Impact and Legacy
Despite the controversies, David Coote’s story offers lessons about ambition, accountability, and the human side of refereeing.
Contribution to English Refereeing
At his peak, Coote contributed positively to the modern officiating system in England. His steady performances in Football League matches and his appointment to major finals showcased his technical skill and composure.
He was part of the VAR introduction team in the Premier League, helping to establish procedural frameworks still in use today.
The Downfall
Coote’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for sports professionals. His story underscores the consequences of misconduct and the scrutiny that comes with representing one of theworld’ss most-watched sports leagues.
It also reveals how personal struggles—especially those related to identity and mental health—can intersect with professional duties in ways that lead to career-ending consequences.
Broader Reflections
The David Coote referee case has reignited discussions about how much pressure referees face. With social media amplifying every mistake, and with VAR adding new layers of responsibility, officials are under constant surveillance.
Experts have argued that football associations must prioritize mental health programs, diversity and inclusion, and stronger internal support systems to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The story of David Coote referee is one of early promise, professional achievement, and eventual downfall. From grassroots beginnings in Nottingham to the grand stage of Wembley, Coote’s career demonstrated that hard work can open doors even in the highly competitive world of football officiating.
