David Coote has admitted that he turned to drugs as a result of the fear of coming out as a Premier League referee in his first interview since he was fired by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Coote was fired in December after “in serious violation of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position that was considered untenable”.
It followed an investigation into a video that does not remain verified, which seemed to show that Coote's comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was widely distributed on social media in November.
The PGMOL research also consisted of a second video that arose in November and seemed to show that Coote is said to sniff a white powder, supposedly during Euro 2024, where he was one of the assistant vars for the tournament. The administrative body of European Football UEFA has also appointed an ethical investigator to investigate the case.
Coote refuted a statement that he discussed by giving a yellow card for the Leeds match against West Brom in October 2019. The FA is investigating the claim.
In an interview with the sun on Monday evening, Coote, 42, said: “I felt a deep feeling of shame during my teenage years in particular.
“I didn't come to my parents until I was 21. I only came to my friends in my 25.
“My sexuality is not the only reason to be in that position. But I don't tell an authentic story if I don't say that I am gay, and that I have had real struggles that have to do with hiding.
“I hid my emotions like a young ref and I also hide my sexuality – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a person.
“And that led me to a whole course of behavior.”
He added: “I had problems with my self -respect – and that relates to my sexuality. I am gay and I have had trouble being proud to be 'I' for a long period.
“During my career as a ref I received very unpleasant abuse and my sexuality that adding would have been very difficult.”
Sky Sports News has also received a statement from Coote.
It stated: “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which is far below what was expected of me.
“I'm really sorry for every attack caused by my actions and for the negative spotlights it has the game I love.
“I hope that people will understand that they were private moments that were taken in my life during very low times. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.
“My focus is now on continuing to prioritize my mental health and well -being. I hope that my experiences, both on and outside the field, can be used in football at a certain moment in the future.
“Finally, I want to thank everyone who recently supported me, especially my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people in football.
“Special thanks also to the many strangers who have contacted words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can express well.”
Sky Sports News has approached the PGMOL for comment in response to Coote's interview with the sun and the statement.
Timeline: which led to the dismissal of Coote by PGMOL …
Saturday, November 9, 2024: Coote Referees Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa.
Monday, November 11: A non -reverified video of Coote that makes denigrating comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp is circulating on social media.
Monday, November 11: PGMOL suspends Coote and starts an investigation.
Tuesday, November 12: FA starts its own research into Coote Video.
Tuesday, November 12: Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb says on Sky Sports' competition officials who take PGMOL the incident “very seriously”.
Wednesday, November 27: FA Research into accusations Coote discussed giving a yellow card for a competition as reported by the Sun. Coote refutes accusations.
Monday, December 9: Coote dismissed by PGMOL.
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