Disgraced Ref Coote Handed Suspended Prison Term for Indecent Images Offence

The downfall of David Coote took another dramatic turn this week as the sacked Premier League referee faced court over his possession of an indecent image of a child. The nine-month prison sentence handed down has been suspended for two years—a conclusion reached after Coote entered a guilty plea in October.

The former match official, who oversaw more than 100 top-flight fixtures before his December 2024 dismissal, had stored a video of a 15-year-old boy wearing school uniform on his laptop. The charge encompasses a range of activities including downloading, sharing, and retention of abuse imagery.

Judge Nirmal Shant KC did not mince words in court, telling Coote: "You have had a spectacular fall from grace. Those who commit this sort of offence must understand that they involve real children being abused, with all the consequent damage that comes from it."

The discovery of the laptop proved pivotal, emerging as part of a separate inquiry into Coote's conduct. That investigation had been triggered after a video surfaced showing him directing profane insults at then-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, whom he called a "German c**t."

Initially, Coote disputed the footage's authenticity while receiving backing from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited. He later conceded the recording was genuine. Matters worsened when a second video emerged allegedly capturing him snorting cocaine whilst working at Euro 2024—a development that earned him a UEFA suspension on top of his mounting troubles.

The FA also examined allegations that Coote had engaged in match fixing, specifically regarding a yellow card distributed during a 2019 Championship encounter between Leeds and West Brom. The card purportedly benefited a friend who had placed a wager on the fixture.

The PGMOL terminated Coote's employment in December 2024, bringing an end to his career in professional refereeing.

During proceedings, Coote's barrister Laura Jane Miller urged the judge to consider imposing a suspended sentence coupled with unpaid community service. She argued to the court that rehabilitation remained a possibility and that a custodial arrangement would unnecessarily burden public resources.