Coote was in October initially suspended by the referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), after a video of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp “arrogant” and a “German c***” circulated on social media.

David Coote has come out as gay in his first interview since his dismissal as a Premier League referee last month, with the official opening up about his sexuality

Former Premier League referee David Coote, who was dismissed from his role in December 2024, has publicly revealed that he is gay, explaining how hiding his sexuality contributed to the challenges and controversies that ended his career.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay. In November, he made derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp leading to his dismissal.

Premier League referees are paid a salary - which depends on their level of experience - and additional match fees.

In his first interview since being sacked he talked about the challenges of his work schedule, the abuse he received as a referee and his "struggles dealing with hiding" his sexuality.

Former Premier League referee David Coote apologised for the actions that led to his sacking last month by England referees' body PGMOL, saying that the pressure of the job and fear of abuse due to his sexuality triggered his behaviour.

David Coote “deserves” to have a continued role in English football, the chairman of the Referees’ Association has said. Coote’s contract as an elite-level referee with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) was terminated last month after a video emerged showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.