Former Premier League referee David Coote apologizes for 'Cocaine Video' abusing Liverpool, comes out as Gay

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David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has revealed the personal battles he faced during his career, including his struggles with drug use and hiding his sexuality.

The 42-year-old, dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December, shared his story in an interview with The Sun.

His sacking followed the emergence of a video in which he appeared to make derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

Reflecting on the challenges of his career, Coote opened up about the pressures of the job, the abuse referees face, and the difficulties of concealing his true self under the substance influence.

"I don't recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can't resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule, and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position-escaping," Coote admitted.

Coote also described the profound shame he felt as a teenager grappling with his sexuality.

"I didn't come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn't come out to my friends until I was 25," he added.

"My sexuality isn't the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I'm not telling an authentic story if I don't say that I'm gay and that I've had real struggles dealing with hiding that," the referee continued.

Coote owns up his Mess

In a statement to Sky News, Coote acknowledged his mistakes and expressed regret. The former PL referee was profoundly apologetic for his actions and took full responsibility of his actions.

Coote emphasized that his actions did not define who he is today, stating, "I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think."

He also shared his commitment to improving his mental health and expressed a desire to contribute to football in the future.