Disgraced former Premier League referee David Coote has opened up about hiding his sexuality throughout his career due to the fear of abuse he would have faced. Coote, who was sacked following a video of him making derogatory remarks about Jurgen Klopp, admitted that he hid his emotions and sexuality as a young referee, a decision he now regrets. He explained that the relentless abuse he faced, both on the pitch and online, led him to seek unhealthy escape routes, including drug use. Coote apologized for his actions and expressed his hope that people will understand that his past behaviour was a consequence of a difficult period in his life.
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Coote, 42, was suspended in November after footage emerged of him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in a video that was widely shared on social media.newspaper in November, which the newspaper said were taken during Euro 2024, appeared to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up bank note.“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult,” he said.
Coote said he and his late mother had received death threats following decisions he had made on the pitch and cited his own example to show how relentless abuse from the stands and on social media could impact the mental health of officials.“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had,” he said.
In a separate statement released late on Monday, Coote said he had been through one of the most difficult periods of his life.“I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. 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.”
FOOTBALL REFEREE HOMOPHOBIA ABUSE MENTAL HEALTH
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