Former Referee David Coote Charged Over Indecent Image Case

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with making an indecent image of a child. Police confirmed he will appear before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court this week. The charge follows a file recovered during an investigation earlier this year.

The 43-year-old official, from Collingham in Nottinghamshire, was dismissed by the referees’ body in late 2024. That decision came after a separate case linked to derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

David Coote Referee Case: What We Know So Far

According to BBC News, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed the charge was filed on 12 August. It relates to a single video file recovered in February. Police also confirmed that Coote remains on conditional bail.

Coote was once a regular name in top-flight football. But his refereeing career began to collapse last year. In December 2024, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) terminated his contract. The move followed the circulation of a video where he was heard mocking Liverpool and Klopp.

The Football Association also took disciplinary action. In August 2024, he received an eight-week ban from officiating. The Football Association called the comments inappropriate and damaging to the game’s reputation.

Bans, Scandals, and Wider Fallout

The troubles did not end there. European football’s governing body Uefa also banned him until June 2026. That ruling came after photographs surfaced of Coote appearing to snort a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany.

With the new charge, the former referee faces further legal scrutiny. If found guilty, it could permanently end any hope of returning to professional officiating. The Football Association, PGMOL, and Uefa have already distanced themselves from him.

For football fans, the case raises broader concerns. The sport depends on referees maintaining integrity on and off the pitch. Scandals like this damage confidence in the officials who govern the game.

David Coote’s case is ongoing. He is due in court on Thursday. Police stress that the charge relates to downloading, saving, or sharing unlawful material. The referee remains on bail while the case proceeds.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is David Coote?

David Coote is a former Premier League referee from Nottinghamshire. He officiated in English top-flight football before being dismissed in 2024.

Q2: Why was David Coote sacked?

He was sacked by PGMOL after a video surfaced of him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. The FA later suspended him as well.

Q3: What charges is he facing now?

He has been charged with making an indecent image of a child. Police say it relates to a video file recovered earlier this year.

Q4: Is David Coote banned from football?

Yes. He is suspended by the FA and banned by Uefa until 2026. His refereeing career is effectively over.

Q5: When is his court date?

He is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. He is currently on conditional bail.