David Coote, a 42-year-old known for his candidness about his struggles with cocaine, possesses a wealth of experience that could greatly benefit younger officials in football.
Reports suggest he is eager to remain involved in the sport, potentially in a different capacity than refereeing. A close source stated, “His extensive knowledge and skills are invaluable.
Losing that due to his past mistakes during extremely stressful times would be a huge loss.” The source noted that Coote maintains good relationships with other referees, indicating he could excel as a pundit or expert in the field.
Struggles With Identity and Substance Use
Coote shared that his fear of coming out as gay contributed to his substance use as a means of escape. This revelation sparked discussions among fans about a possible return for him, particularly after he described the intense emotional pressure he faced along with a demanding work schedule.
Paul Field, the chairman of the Referees’ Association, expressed his desire for Coote to continue his involvement in English football. He remarked, “His work with young referees is outstanding.
He is a fantastic mentor who dedicates immense time and effort to grassroots officials. It would be great to see him in a training or mentoring role away from the public eye, allowing him to take care of himself while still contributing.”
Recognized as one of the top three VAR officials in the UK, Coote was among a select group of English referees chosen for international matches. He expressed his enthusiasm for a return to the sport.
Support and a Path Forward
In shocking footage, Coote admitted he was “not sober” when he called a former boss. He also revealed the disturbing abuse he received as a referee, including messages wishing harm upon him.
Support for Coote came from gay rugby referee Nigel Owens, who shared his own struggles before coming out in 2007. Owens, who officiated high-profile matches such as the 2015 World Cup Final, stated, “Homophobia continues to be an issue in all sports.”
He added, “When you’re grappling with your identity, it can be an incredibly tough and dark experience. You may resort to harmful coping mechanisms, as we’ve seen.”
Coote’s acknowledgment of his mistakes and his courage in coming out deserve recognition. This step may pave the way for him to become involved in the sport once more.
While I have never experimented with drugs or cigarettes, I can empathize with the immense pressure and scrutiny that professional referees face, which might drive someone to seek an escape, especially when feeling compelled to conceal one’s sexuality.
Many were aware of Coote’s orientation during his rise through the ranks, and it is commendable that he has now chosen to speak out.
Everyone has made errors in their lives. Referees frequently discuss their opinions about players and managers, and Coote’s experiences illustrate how he has been let down by those he considered friends.
The case of Bobby Madley, who returned to the Football League in 2020 after being dismissed for a video mocking a disabled individual, serves as a hopeful example for Coote. His journey suggests that a career in officiating can be rebuilt even after facing major challenges.
