Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty to charges of creating indecent images of children during his first court appearance at Nottingham Crown Court.
The 43-year-old from Newark, Nottinghamshire, appeared in court where the proceedings lasted just 18 minutes. During the brief session, Coote confirmed his personal details before entering his plea of not guilty. No further submissions were made at the time.
Allegations and Investigation
The prosecution alleges that Coote was involved in creating a child pornography video on January 2, 2020. Nottinghamshire Police launched an investigation after the footage was reportedly discovered in February. Following his plea, Coote was granted conditional bail by District Judge Gillian Young.
He is expected to return to Nottingham Crown Court on October 9 for a plea and trial preparation hearing, where the case is likely to progress toward a full trial.
Football Career
Before his dismissal, Coote had officiated at the highest level of English football. His refereeing career included 112 matches in the Premier League, 143 in the Championship, 30 FA Cup games, and four international friendlies. Known as a consistent figure in English football officiating circles, his career came to an abrupt end last December.
At that time, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) dismissed him after a controversial video surfaced showing him making remarks about then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Personal Revelation
In January, shortly after his dismissal, Coote publicly came out as gay. He explained that he had long kept his sexuality private due to fears of abuse, particularly within the high-pressure environment of professional football. His revelation sparked conversations within the footballing community about inclusivity and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ officials and players.
What Lies Ahead
With the upcoming court date set for October, Coote’s future remains uncertain. If convicted, the case would not only mark a dramatic fall from grace for the former top-flight referee but also raise wider questions about safeguarding and accountability within professional sport. For now, Coote maintains his innocence and awaits the next stage of the judicial process.
Tags: David Coote, Premier League referee, Nottingham Crown Court, child pornography case, UK football, PGMOL, Jürgen Klopp, LGBTQ in sports
