David Coote has admitted that he turned to drugs as a result of fear of coming out as gay as a Premier League judge in his first interview since he was fired by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Coote was dismissed in December after being “in a serious violation of the provisions of his employment contract, with his attitude considered unsustainable”.
It followed a study of a video that remains non -verified that appeared to show coote, which made derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was broadly circulated on social media in November.
PGMOL -the investigation also covered another video that emerged in November, and looked to show Coote allegedly snuggled a white powder, alleged during euro 2024, where he was one of the assistant’s were for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethical investigator to investigate the matter.
Coote rejected a claim that he was discussing giving a yellow shortly before Leeds’ match against West Brom in October 2019. FA is investigating the claim.
In an interview with The sun Coote was released Monday night and said, “I felt a deep feeling of shame in especially my teenage years.
“I didn’t get out to my parents until I was 21 years old. I didn’t get out to my friends until I was 25 years old.
“My sexuality is not the only reason that led to I was in this position. But I am not telling an authentic story if I do not say that I am gay and that I have had real matches to.
“I hid my feelings as a young refus and I also hid my sexuality – a good quality as a judge, but a terrible quality as a human being.
“And that led me to a whole behavior.”
He added: “I have had problems around my confidence – and it concerns my sexuality. I am gay and I have struggled to feel proud to be ‘me’ over a long period of time.
“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and adding my sexuality to it would have been really difficult.”
Sky Sports News have also received a statement from Coote.
It read: “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions that fell far below what was expected of me.
“I’m really sorry for every offense caused by my actions and the negative limelight it put on the game I love.
“I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken in very low times in my life. They don’t reflect who I am today or what I think.
“My focus now is on continuing to prioritize my mental health and well -being. I hope my experiences, both on and off the field, can be used in football at some point in the future.
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has recently supported me, especially my family, friends, former colleagues, Pgmol and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.
“Thank you very much to the many strangers who have reached words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express.”
Sky Sports News have approached PGMOL for comment in response to Cootes interview with The sun and statement.
Timeline: What led to Coot’s dismissal of PGMOL …
Saturday, November 9, 2024: Coote Judge Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa.
Monday 11th November: A non -verified video of coote that makes derogatory comments about Liverpool, and their former manager Jurgen Klopp circulates on social media.
Monday 11th November: PGMOL suspends coote and launches a study.
Tuesday, November 12: FA begins your own study of coote video.
Tuesday, November 12: Chief Judge Officer Howard Webb says about Sky Sports’ Fight Officers Microphone That Pgmol takes the incident “very seriously”.
Thursday 14 November: Pgmol was aware of new video that seems to show coote that snores a white powder while he is reportedly working on euro 2024.
Wednesday 27 November: FA investigative accusations coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game as reported by The sun. Coote rejecting accusations.
Monday 9th December: Coote fired by pgmol.