David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has issued a public apology to Jurgen Klopp after a leaked video revealed offensive comments he made about the former Liverpool manager.
The video, which also showed Coote appearing to take drugs, led to his dismissal by PGMOL in December following an investigation.
Speaking for the first time since his sacking, Coote admitted that his behavior in the clips was unacceptable. “I deeply regret saying what I said,” Coote told The Sun.
“The comments do not reflect my views on any individual or my general beliefs. They fell far below the standards expected of a top-level referee.”
The 42-year-old explained that he was not sober when the video was recorded, adding that it had been in someone’s possession for over four years before surfacing on social media. He expressed shock and devastation upon learning it had been leaked.
Coote also denied allegations of match-fixing after being accused of intentionally booking a player following a discussion with a friend. “There was no agreement prior to the game,” he stated. “I went out and did my job.
The player committed a yellow card tackle. I’m disappointed that such allegations have come out, as they tarnish the game’s integrity.”
Beyond the leaked video, Coote opened up about the intense abuse he faced as a referee, revealing that it took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being.
“I’ve received death threats, had to have an accelerated response tag on my home, and read messages wishing harm upon me and my family,” he shared.
Some of the messages crossed unimaginable lines. “People didn’t just wish for my death but hoped I’d be paralyzed or that my mother would die of AIDS,” Coote said. “I can’t see how that is acceptable. Abuse is common, but this goes far beyond.”
Coote admitted to occasionally using drugs as an escape from the pressures of refereeing and his struggles with his sexuality. However, he emphasized that his personal challenges did not excuse his actions.
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Coote maintained that he always officiated with integrity. “Whatever people think of me as a referee, I’ve always tried to do my best on the pitch,” he concluded.
His apology and candid revelations shed light on the darker side of officiating, highlighting the immense pressure and abuse referees often endure behind the scenes.