Banned Premier League Referee Coote Reveals He Is Gay

Former Premier League referee David Coote has revealed that he officiated in the league as a gay man but kept his sexuality private due to fear of discrimination.

Coote shared that he struggled with the decision to come out on his sexuality in a profession where he worried about potential abuse.

Coote was banned from officiating on December 9 following an investigation into allegations about his behavior. His dismissal came after a video surfaced on social media, reportedly showing him making inappropriate remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. Shortly after, photos emerged allegedly showing him using a white powder, raising concerns about his conduct.

Reflecting on his journey, Coote opened up about his struggles in an interview. He said, “I’m gay, and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period.” He admitted that the pressure of officiating over 100 top-tier matches contributed to behaviors that led to his dismissal.

Coote expressed deep regret for his actions, saying, “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I am truly sorry for any offense caused and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love.”

He shared how his struggle with accepting his sexuality had affected his life. Coote explained feeling a “deep sense of shame” during his teenage years and recalled coming out to his parents at 21 and friends at 25. “While my sexuality isn’t the sole reason for my past actions, it’s an important part of my story,” he stated.

Coote also reflected on the emotional toll of hiding his identity, saying, “I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well. This has led to behaviors that I regret, and I am committed to being more authentic moving forward.”
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