Former Premier League Referee David Coote Charged With Making Indecent Video Of Child
Sports Updated: 10 September 2025 16:18 EAT
Former EPL referee David Coote
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with making an indecent video of a child, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed this week. The 43-year-old is set to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 September 2025, for his first hearing.
The charge relates to a Category A offence, the most serious classification under UK law, which typically involves the rape or sexual abuse of children. Prosecutors allege that the video was created on 2 January 2020, though it was not recovered by authorities until February 2025. Coote was formally charged on 12 August 2025 and is currently on conditional bail.
Coote, who officiated in the Premier League until last year, was dismissed by PGMOL in December 2024 after a series of controversies. He was filmed making derogatory comments about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, calling him a slur, and was also seen in a separate video snorting white powder during Euro 2024. UEFA subsequently suspended him until June 2026.
In addition, the FA handed Coote an eight-week ban in August 2025 and required him to attend a face-to-face education programme over his conduct. Earlier this year, he also spoke publicly about his sexuality, saying he came out as gay after years of struggling in secret.
Coote’s latest charge marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of English football’s once high-profile referees. The outcome of Thursday’s court hearing will determine the next steps in the legal process.
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FELIX MAKONA
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