David Coote, the former Premier League referee, has found himself on the receiving end of the ultimate officiating decision—banned from UEFA-sanctioned matches until June 30, 2026. The ruling comes after a turbulent few months for Coote, who has been at the center of multiple controversies ranging from offensive remarks about Jürgen Klopp to a video allegedly showing him indulging in illicit substances.
UEFA’s decision marks a significant moment in football’s refereeing world, as officials are usually scrutinized for their on-field calls rather than their off-pitch behavior. Coote’s case, however, has blurred that line, forcing the governing body to act decisively.
The Klopp Controversy: A Foul-Mouthed Own Goal
The storm began brewing in November 2024 when a video surfaced, allegedly recorded during the 2020–21 season, in which David Coote was caught making offensive remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. In the footage, Coote referred to Klopp using explicit language, calling him an “arrogant German c**t.”
This revelation reignited Liverpool fans’ frustrations over Coote’s past officiating, particularly his role as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during a notorious Merseyside derby. In that match, a reckless challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk went unpunished, an incident that effectively ended Van Dijk’s season and led to accusations of bias against Coote.
A White Powder and a Red Card
As if the Klopp controversy wasn’t enough, a second video surfaced in late 2024, allegedly showing Coote snorting a white powder—believed to be cocaine—during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. This footage, reportedly filmed on July 6, 2024, came just a day after he officiated as VAR in the France vs. Portugal quarter-final match.
The emergence of this footage forced UEFA and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) into action. PGMOL quickly launched an internal investigation and, in December 2024, terminated Coote’s contract for gross misconduct. UEFA followed suit with their own inquiry, ultimately handing down the two-year suspension.
David Coote’s Response: Remorse and Reflection
In the wake of his dismissal, David Coote broke his silence, expressing deep regret for his actions. He attributed his behavior to personal struggles, including battles with depression and the challenges of coming to terms with his sexuality. In January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay, stating that years of hiding his true self had led to emotional distress and poor decision-making.
While his coming out was a moment of personal liberation, Coote insisted that it was not an excuse for his misconduct. “I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “Football has been my life, and I let it down.”
Match-Fixing Allegations: The Final Nail in the Coffin?
Adding to his woes, David Coote remains under investigation by the Football Association (FA) over allegations of match-fixing dating back to 2019. Though he has denied any involvement in such activities, the probe looms over his already tarnished reputation.
While UEFA’s ban is directly tied to his recent misconduct, the FA’s separate investigation could determine whether Coote has any future in football officiating at all. If found guilty, it could mean a lifetime expulsion from the sport.
A Whistleblower or a Warning?
David Coote’s downfall has sparked broader discussions about the pressures faced by referees and the need for mental health support within the profession. The role of a referee is often a thankless one, with intense scrutiny, social media abuse, and immense pressure to make split-second decisions.
While accountability for misconduct is essential, some argue that Coote’s case highlights the lack of institutional support for referees struggling with personal issues. Could football’s governing bodies do more to support officials before they reach breaking point?
Final Verdict: A Long Road to Redemption
For now, Coote is out of the game, with a long road ahead if he hopes to rebuild his career. Whether his ban marks the end of his officiating journey or serves as a wake-up call for the sport remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—David Coote, once a name seen in match reports for VAR decisions, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. And for the first time in years, he’s on the receiving end of a decision he can’t appeal.
