- Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty to a charge of making an indecent image of a child.
- The charge involves a Category A video file, considered the most serious under UK law.
- Coote appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court and was granted conditional bail.
- He is barred from contact with minors and from living with anyone under 18.
- The case will continue at Nottingham Crown Court on October 9.
- Coote was previously sacked by PGMOL in 2024 after multiple scandals involving abusive language, drug use, and misconduct.
- He was banned by UEFA and suspended by the FA.
- In January 2025, Coote came out as gay and spoke about years of emotional suppression.
- He is currently working as a delivery driver and has not returned to officiating.
David Coote, once a regular fixture in Premier League officiating, is now facing one of the most serious charges under UK law. The 43-year-old has pleaded not guilty to making an indecent image of a child — a Category A offence involving the most extreme forms of abuse imagery.
The charge stems from a video file recovered by Nottinghamshire Police earlier this year. Coote was formally charged in August and appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court for his first hearing. He was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ban on contact with minors and restrictions on his living arrangements.
The case will move to Nottingham Crown Court in October, where the legal process will continue. If convicted, Coote could face up to ten years in prison.
This latest development adds to a string of controversies that ended Coote’s refereeing career. In late 2024, he was sacked by PGMOL after videos surfaced showing him making abusive comments about a high-profile manager and engaging in drug-related behavior. He was later banned by UEFA and suspended by the FA.
In early 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay, revealing that years of emotional suppression had contributed to personal struggles and poor decision-making. He described his time in football as professionally disciplined but personally conflicted.
Since leaving the sport, Coote has taken a job with a delivery company and is attempting to rebuild his life outside the public eye. Despite officiating over 100 Premier League matches, his career in football appears permanently closed.
The case has reignited conversations about accountability in elite sports, the mental health of officials, and the legal consequences of digital misconduct.
