Open Interview with D. Coote: Acknowledged Mistakes, Sexual Orientation, and Harassment

2025-01-28 10:58 © zumapress

At the end of last year, former English Premier League referee David Coote, who was involved in a scandal, opened up in an interview with The Sun.

The referee became embroiled in the scandal after a video surfaced online in which D. Coote mocks Liverpool and the then-coach Jurgen Klopp.

Later, a video appeared showing the same referee apparently using narcotic substances during EURO 2024.

In the interview, D. Coote opened up about his psychological issues and sexual orientation.

"I want to apologize to everyone who was hurt by my actions. It is clear that in the video I was not sober.

Throughout my career, I faced a lot of mockery as a referee, and my sexual orientation contributed to that.

Of course, my sexual orientation is not the only reason for this, but my story would not be extraordinary if I did not acknowledge that I am homosexual. It was very difficult for me to keep this hidden.

As a young referee, I hid my emotions just as I did my sexual orientation. I was a decent referee, but a very low-level person,” D. Coote confessed.

The former referee also acknowledged that he has been struggling to cope with his workload lately.

"In 2023, I unexpectedly lost my mother. At the same time, my uncle fell seriously ill.

After the COVID pandemic and the introduction of VAR, every match required six referees.

I do not recognize myself in the video with cocaine. I cannot comprehend how I felt then, but yes, I am in that video. It was difficult for me to cope with the workload, and I had no opportunity to stop. Therefore, it became a sort of escape for me.

I am very disappointed that all of this has come to light and harmed the image of football,” D. Coote continued.

The Englishman also took full responsibility for his actions.

"I am guilty of what I did, but now I am trying to be the best person I can. I have taken certain steps that help me feel better both physically and psychologically.

I would like to encourage people facing similar problems to seek help as soon as possible.

All referees are just people. We all have feelings. Perhaps we do not show it, but mocking truly affects us. I tried to cope with it in my own ways, but it ultimately led to nothing good,” D. Coote concluded.