Coote shares his journey of being an openly gay referee, revealing his struggles with hiding emotions and sexuality. He discusses the impact of relentless abuse from fans and media on officials' mental health, emphasizing that referees are also human beings. After being suspended for mocking Klopp, Coote's reputation was further challenged by photos allegedly showing him using cocaine. He reflects on the shame of these actions and the pressures that led to them, hoping to promote better decision-making and a focus on mental wellness in officiating.
Every official that takes to the pitch up and down the country from a local playing field to the Premier League is a human being, not just a referee.
I don't recognise myself in the cocaine video. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position - escaping.
My sexuality isn't the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I'm not telling an authentic story if I don't say that I'm gay.
It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route. I've struggled and I've tried to get through it in my own way and made poor decisions.
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