Ex-Premier League ref David Coote has come out as gay, blaming his cocaine use on fear of coming out in a 'macho world'. What a load of bollocks!
Coote's drug-fueled downfall
Coote was rightly sacked after videos emerged of him snorting white powder while working at Euro 2024, and calling Jurgen Klopp an 'arrogant German c***'. The bellend even organized a drug-fueled party while officiating a Tottenham vs Manchester City match. Unbelievable!
Hiding his sexuality
In a tearful interview, Coote claimed hiding his sexuality led to his downfall. He said he "hid his emotions as a young ref and hid his sexuality as well, a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being." Give me a break!
Coote reckons there's "a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination." Maybe so, but using that as an excuse for his behavior is taking liberties. Man up and take responsibility for your actions, mate!
Pressure cooker of emotion
Coote blamed a 'pressure cooker' of suppressed emotion and an intense work schedule for turning to cocaine. He said it was "one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job." What a muppet!
The 42-year-old said he's been in an 'incredibly dark place' since the Euro 2024 scandal, and isn't sure he'd be 'here today' without his family's support. Well, maybe he should've thought about that before sticking cocaine up his nose!
Investigation ongoing
Coote is still under investigation for allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. He denies any wrongdoing, but admits he "wasn't in a great place, and I was messaging people that in hindsight I shouldn't have trusted. I was naive." You bloody well were, matey!
He's now kicked his drug habit after seeking therapy and wants to "spend some quality time with family and friends, and take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards." Let's hope he does, for the sake of the beautiful game.
