David Coote, a recently sacked English Premier League (EPL) referee, has publicly revealed his sexuality, stating that he is gay.
The revelation was brought to light a month after he was sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) for misconduct.
Coote’s career has been marred by controversy, including a video that surfaced in November, allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager.
Also, a photo was published by The Sun, depicting Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up US bank note.
In an interview with The Sun, Coote shared that he struggled with feeling proud of his sexuality, fearing the abuse he would receive for being homosexual.
He revealed that he hid his emotions and sexuality during his career, which led to a “whole course of behaviours” that ultimately contributed to his downfall.
The 42-year-old former referee said the pressure of his work contributed to the behaviour that led to his sacking.
“I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” he said.
“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.
“My sexuality is not the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I do not say that I am gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.
“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”
In a statement on Monday, Coote apologised for his behaviour, describing the moment as “one of the most difficult periods of my life”.
“This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me.,” the statement reads in part.
“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.”
During the interview, Coote revealed that he had overcome his drug habit after undergoing therapy.
“I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video,” he said.
“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.
“I’m guilty of doing what I did, but I’m trying to be the best person that I can be now. I’ve taken steps to try and be the best I can be both from a physical and a mental wellbeing [perspective].
“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way.”
He expressed a “huge sense of shame” for his past actions but said he is now focused on moving forward.
Coote revealed that he received death threats during his career. (The Cable)
