After being caught in a scandal that ultimately cost him his career, former Premier League referee David Coote is now speaking out about the emotional and mental toll it took on him.

In his first interview since his dismissal, Coote revealed the personal battles he faced, including suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and the weight of public shame.

The Scandal That Ended His Career

David Coote, a seasoned referee who officiated over 100 Premier League matches, found himself at the center of a media storm after damaging videos of him surfaced online.

These included one where he insulted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and another where he was seen using a white powder—later admitted to be cocaine.

Coote’s actions led to his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organization responsible for referees in the Premier League.

A Dark Time for Coote

In the aftermath of the scandal, Coote described feeling overwhelmed by public scrutiny.

“I didn’t want to leave the house because I felt like everyone was judging me,” he admitted.

He recalled an incident where he had a panic attack while shopping, feeling as though every person around him was watching him with judgment.

“I just broke down in tears,” Coote said, explaining how a kind comment from a cashier helped him realize that he couldn’t hide forever.

Facing His Mistakes and Coming Out

Coote also addressed his derogatory remark about Klopp, acknowledging that it was out of character and something he deeply regretted.

He explained that his words were not reflective of how he truly felt, especially given his family’s German heritage.

In his emotional interview, Coote also revealed that he had kept his sexuality hidden during his career due to fear of discrimination.

He came out as gay in the interview, sharing that his struggles with his identity contributed to some of the poor choices he made during his career.

Support and a Path Forward

Despite the harsh consequences of the scandal, Coote expressed gratitude for the support he received from friends and colleagues.

Many reached out to check on him, and he acknowledged that without their support, he might not have made it through the darkest moments.

Looking ahead, Coote expressed a desire to remain involved in football, particularly in a mentoring and coaching role.

Paul Field, the chairman of the Referees’ Association, also supported Coote’s potential return, noting his exemplary work with young referees and his dedication to grassroots officiating.

Looking Ahead to a Future in Mentorship

Coote, who has now made peace with his past, is eager to continue his work in a role that would allow him to contribute to the sport while keeping a low profile.

Field believes that Coote’s skills in mentoring young referees could make a significant impact on the next generation of officials.

“He deserves to have a role,” Field said, adding that Coote’s contributions to the development of future referees were invaluable.

In a powerful conclusion, Coote expressed his hope that the next chapter of his life would focus on helping others, showing that even after facing intense public scrutiny, there’s always a way forward with support, growth, and self-reflection.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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