Former Premier League referee David Coote shared his battles with sexuality and drug use, revealing deep-seated shame stemming from his teenage years. He recounted coming out to his parents at 21 and friends at 25, emphasizing that his sexuality contributed to ongoing self-esteem issues. Coote left the spotlight after a scandal involving derogatory comments and drug allegations. He noted the relentless pressures in modern football and the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, urging for more societal change and acceptance within sports.
I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular. I didn't come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn't come out to my friends until I was 25.
I'm gay and I've struggled with feeling proud of being 'me' over a long period of time. There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination.
I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well - a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that's led me to a whole course of behaviours.
I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse we all get as a referee in any event.
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