Timeline of David Coote’s downfall as ex-Premier League ref set for sentencing
January 8, 2026 / /
Need to know
Former Premier League official David Coote is set to be sentenced after admitting to making an indecent image of a child
Timeline of former Premier League referee David Coote’s downfall
- Initial Suspension for Derogatory Comments (November 2024): Coote was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a video surfaced showing him using offensive language regarding former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The footage, which dated back several years, led to an immediate investigation into his professional conduct and neutrality.
- UEFA Suspension for Alleged Drug Use (November 2024): Shortly after his initial suspension, a second video emerged allegedly showing Coote using a white powder while working at Euro 2024. This prompted UEFA to launch their own disciplinary proceedings and suspend him from all European officiating duties.
- Permanent Dismissal from PGMOL (December 2024): Following a thorough internal investigation, the PGMOL terminated Coote’s contract with immediate effect. The body concluded that his actions constituted a serious breach of his employment contract and rendered his position untenable.
- Public Disclosure of Personal Struggles (January 2025): In a public interview, Coote came out as gay and discussed the mental health challenges he faced while hiding his sexuality during his career. He stated that these personal pressures contributed to the poor decision-making that led to his professional downfall.
- Official UEFA Ban Imposed (February 2025): UEFA formally banned Coote from all refereeing activities until June 30, 2026, for bringing the sport into disrepute. The governing body cited violations of the basic rules of decent conduct as the primary reason for the multi-year sanction.
- Criminal Charges and FA Sanctions (August 2025): The Football Association handed Coote an eight-week suspension for his earlier comments, while he was charged by police for a far more serious offence. He was formally accused of making an indecent image of a child after authorities analysed devices seized earlier in the year.
- Guilty Plea for Indecent Image Offence (October 2025): Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Coote pleaded guilty to making a Category A indecent image of a child, which is the most severe classification under UK law. The court heard that the file was discovered during a forensic search of his electronic equipment conducted as part of the wider investigations. He initially pleaded not guilty in September at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
- Sentencing Hearing Adjournment (January 2026): Originally scheduled for December 2025, Coote’s sentencing was delayed by a judge to January 8, 2026, due to the medical unavailability of his legal representation. He is due to appear in court this week to receive his final sentence for the criminal charges to which he pleaded guilty.
- READ MORE ABOUT DAVID COOTE: Ex-referee David Coote was ‘investigated by police and cleared’ over allegation in 2017
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