Former Premier League Referee David Coote Faces Child Exploitation Charges After Dismissal

David Coote, the ex-Premier League official who lost his position in December 2024 following disparaging remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp, now faces charges for creating inappropriate imagery involving a minor.

Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed that the 43-year-old stands accused of a Category A violation connected to video material discovered in February this year.

Coote, who received the charges on Aug. 12, is scheduled to attend Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday, Sept. 11 and remains free on conditional bail.

His top-flight refereeing career was terminated by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following remarks about Liverpool and Klopp that constituted a "significant violation of his employment terms." Coote first questioned the video's authenticity before acknowledging it was real.

Coote later revealed substance abuse issues in an extensive The Sun interview, attributing this to difficulties concealing his sexual orientation, and stated he "couldn't recognize" himself in the footage where he used offensive language about Klopp.

The Football Association imposed an eight-week suspension on Coote in August regarding his Liverpool and Klopp comments, while UEFA has already prohibited him from officiating until June 30, 2026 following publication of images showing him using white powder, despite being chosen as an assistant VAR official for Euro 2024.