David Coote: 'Embattled' former Premier League referee charged to court for serious 'child abuse' case

Former English Premier League referee David Coote appears to be in fresh trouble, as he has reportedly been charged with making an indecent video of a child.

The 43-year-old has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in recent times, and this adds another chapter to what has been a turbulent year for the former official.

Coote was sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024 after a video emerged showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

The latest footage is reported to have been recorded on January 2, 2020, and is understood to constitute a ‘serious’ offence, with the file recovered by police in February of this year.

Coote charged to court for ‘Category A’ child-related case

According to a statement from Nottinghamshire Police via The Mirror, Coote is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday for the first hearing in connection with the charge.

"David Coote, aged 43, has been charged with the offence after an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police,’’ the statement read.

‘’The charge relates to a video file recovered by officers in February of this year. Coote, of Collingham, was charged on 12 August and is currently on conditional police bail. He is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court tomorrow 11 September."

The report also revealed that the former top-flight official is facing a ‘Category A’ charge, which is the most serious of its kind and typically involves the sexual abuse of young children.

Coote’s ‘tumultuous’ career and personal struggles

Coote officiated in the Premier League from 2018 to 2024, overseeing more than 100 top-flight games before his career abruptly ended following the controversial remarks about Liverpool and Klopp.

The 43-year-old was initially suspended by the PGMOL on November 11 pending a full investigation, but after admitting to the claims, he was dismissed, with the position deemed untenable.

Earlier this year, Coote revealed in an interview that he had battled drug abuse, explaining that concealing his sexuality contributed to a challenging and troubled period in his life.

While the ex-official’s current charge adds another chapter to his turbulent path, it remains to be seen what the court will ultimately decide in the case.