David Coote has admitted that he addressed the drug as a result of fear of being gay as a Premier League judge in his first interview since he was dismissed by the professional match officials (PGMOL).
Coote was fired in December as he was “in serious violation of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position considered unworthy”.
There was an investigation into a video that remains unproven, which seemed to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was widely circulated on social media in November.
The PGMOL investigation also included a second video that appeared in November, appearing to show Coote allegedly snoring a white powder, apparently during the Euro 2024, where he was one of the tournaments. The European football management body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to consider the issue.
Coote rejected a claim he discussed to give a yellow card before Leeds’ match against West Brom in October 2019. The FA is investigating the claim.
In an interview with sun Released Monday evening, Coote, 42, said: “I felt a deep feeling of shame during my teens in particular.
“I didn’t go to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t go to my friends until the age of 25.
“My sexuality is not the only reason that made me be in that position. But I am not telling an authentic story if I am not saying I am homosexual, and that I have had real battles dealing with the concealment
“I hid my emotions as a new reflection and hid my sexuality too – a good quality as a judge, but a terrible quality as a human being.
“And that led me to a whole course of behavior.”
He added: “I have had issues about my self -esteem – and it has to do with my sexuality. I am gay and I have fought to feel proud to be ‘I’ for a long period of time.
“I have received deeply uncomfortable abuse throughout my career as Ref and add my sexuality to it would be really difficult.”
Sky Sports News It has also been given a statement from Coote.
Read: “This has been one of the most difficult times of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell down what was expected of me.
“I’m really sorry for any violations caused by my actions and the negative attention she put on the game I want.
“I hope people understand that they were private moments taken over the very low times in my life. They don’t reflect who I am today or what I think.
“My focus is now to continue to prioritize my mental health and well -being. I hope my experiences, inside and outside the field, can be used in football at a point of the future.
“Finally, I want to thank all those who have supported me lately, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, Pgmol and Howard Webb, and countless people in all football.
“Special thanks to many foreigners who have reached with encouraging words and support, I have appreciated it more than it can express properly.”
Sky Sports News I approached Pgmol for comment in response to Coote interview with sun and statement.
Timeline: What led to Coote’s rest by Pgmol …
Saturday 9 November 2024: Coote Judges Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa.
Monday November 11: An unexpected video of Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp circulates on social media.
Monday November 11: Pgmol suspends Coote and begins an inquiry.
Tuesday 12 November: FA begins its inquiry into COOTA Video.
Tuesday 12 November: CHAPERATION OF THE REFERENCE Howard Webb says further Sky Sports ‘match officials’ Mic’d up He pgmol taking the “Very Seriously” incident.
Thursday November 14: Pgmol aware of the new video that appears to show Coote by snoring a white powder while reporting to work at Euro 2024.
Wednesday 27 November: FA investigating Coote charges discussed giving a yellow card in front of a game as reported by sun. Coote opposes the charges.
Monday 9 December: Coote was downloaded from PGMOL.
