Former Premier League referee David Coote has recently opened up about his sexuality, revealing that the stress of hiding his true self contributed to the actions that led to his dismissal. Coote was suspended in November after a video surfaced in which he made offensive comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.

In a candid interview, Coote shared that the pressure of concealing his identity, coupled with the fear of being targeted for it, fueled his inappropriate behavior. He admitted to being under the influence of alcohol when the video was recorded and expressed deep remorse for his actions. Reflecting on his career, which included officiating over 100 Premier League matches, Coote acknowledged that while emotional restraint is valuable for referees, it became a personal struggle for him.

Coote also disclosed that he turned to substance use to manage the stress and demanding nature of his role. The challenges of his career were compounded by death threats he received, which significantly affected his mental health. Despite these difficulties, Coote expressed hope that sharing his story would encourage positive changes in the football world, particularly in prioritizing mental health and well-being.

The video that led to his suspension captured Coote calling Klopp "arrogant" and using derogatory language. Another video later emerged, allegedly showing Coote using cocaine during the European Championship. He has since apologized for his actions and committed to focusing on his mental health as he moves forward.

Coote’s experiences highlight the pressures faced by referees and the toll that abuse can take on their mental health. He hopes his journey will foster greater empathy and support for officials in the football community.