What is next for Ex-Premier League referee David Coote after guilty plea to a child image offence?

Former Premier League official David Coote has entered a guilty plea at Nottingham Crown Court over charges of making an indecent image of a child. The allegation involves a Category A video, considered the most serious classification of abuse imagery.

The 43-year-old, dressed in a navy suit and black tie, confirmed his identity and entered the plea within a brief hearing. Judge Nirmal Shant KC ordered a pre-sentence report, warning that custody remains a likely outcome.

Coote has been granted conditional bail ahead of a sentencing date scheduled for December 11.

Nature of the Charge: What Category A Means

The offence relates to a Category A video, the gravest form of indecent imagery under UK law. These images typically depict penetrative sexual activity or sexual violence involving children.

At his hearing, the court was told Coote transferred the video from a hard drive onto a laptop on January 2, 2020.

The legal definition of “making” an indecent image also covers downloading, saving, copying, or sharing such content.

Coote’s Career and Earlier Controversies

David Coote began refereeing in England’s top flight, officiating matches in the Premier League, Championship, FA Cup, and international friendlies.

In December 2024, he was dismissed by PGMOL after a leaked video showed him making derogatory remarks about ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

Subsequently, UEFA banned Coote until June 30, 2026 after another video emerged showing him apparently snorting a white powder through a banknote during Euro 2024.

In January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay, stating that years of hiding his sexuality had contributed to personal struggles.

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Legal Proceedings and Court Orders

Coote’s legal journey began when he was charged on August 12, 2025, following an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police.

Earlier, in September, he appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty, entering into preliminary hearings before this later guilty plea.

At his Crown Court appearance, Judge Shant emphasized the severity of the case, warning Coote that he must not leave the impression custody will not be considered.

Coote has been ordered to abide by conditions including no unsupervised contact with under-18s, and he must not live in a household with minors.

Implications and Public Reaction

This case marks a dramatic fall for a former respected referee now facing serious criminal charges. Analysts suggest the scandal may cast a long shadow over public trust in sports governance and disciplinary oversight.

Coote’s admission and the severity of the offence contribute to broader conversations about accountability, safeguarding in sports institutions, and how public figures respond to allegations of abuse.

Fans, football authorities, and legal watchers alike will monitor his December sentencing closely, to see whether a custodial sentence is imposed given the serious nature of the charges.

FAQ

1. Who is David Coote?

David Coote is a former Premier League referee from Nottinghamshire, England. He officiated over 110 Premier League matches and several FA Cup and international fixtures. He was part of the Select Group of Referees, the top tier in English football officiating, before being dismissed in 2024.

2. What did David Coote plead guilty to?

Coote pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child, classified as a Category A offence, the most serious type involving child sexual abuse imagery. The image was reportedly transferred from a hard drive to a laptop in January 2020.

3. What does “Category A” mean in UK law?

A Category A image is the highest level of severity under UK law, depicting penetrative sexual activity or extreme sexual violence involving children. Offenders convicted of such charges often face custodial sentences.

4. When and where did David Coote appear in court?

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on October 14, 2025, where he admitted guilt. His sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025. The hearing was presided over by Judge Nirmal Shant KC.

5. What sentence could David Coote face?

Although sentencing is pending, the judge warned that the matter is serious and may lead to custody. Coote remains on conditional bail pending a pre-sentence report.

6. Was David Coote previously in trouble before this case?

Yes. Coote was sacked by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) in 2024 after a leaked video surfaced of him making derogatory remarks about Jürgen Klopp. He was later banned by UEFA until June 2026 after being filmed snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

7. Did David Coote comment on his sexuality before this case?

In January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay in an interview, revealing he had struggled with his identity for years and that this internal conflict contributed to his earlier professional outbursts.

8. How has the football community reacted to David Coote’s conviction?

The news has sparked shock and condemnation within the football world. Many fans and analysts say it underscores the importance of mental health, integrity, and safeguarding measures in professional sports.

9. What conditions were imposed on David Coote’s bail?

Coote has been ordered not to contact any children and must comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He is also prohibited from living in a household with minors until further notice.

10. Will David Coote go to prison?

A custodial sentence is highly possible given the Category A classification of the offence. However, the final decision rests with the court during his December 2025 sentencing after reviewing the pre-sentence report.

11. Why was David Coote dismissed from his refereeing position?

He was dismissed in December 2024 after footage from 2020 resurfaced, showing him mocking then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The incident prompted the Football Association to suspend him for eight weeks before his permanent removal.

12. What is the public sentiment around the case?

Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly negative. Many express disappointment that a once-respected Premier League referee became embroiled in such a serious criminal case, highlighting a growing concern about behavioral accountability in professional sports.

13. When will David Coote be sentenced?

David Coote’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at Nottingham Crown Court. The judge will determine the appropriate punishment based on legal guidelines and the pre-sentence report.

14. How has this case affected the Premier League’s image?

The incident has raised questions about vetting and monitoring processes for referees, especially within the PGMOL and UEFA. It has prompted renewed calls for ethics training and background checks in professional football.

15. What’s next for David Coote legally and professionally?

Professionally, Coote is banned from officiating by both the FA and UEFA. Legally, he awaits sentencing in December, which will determine whether he serves prison time or faces alternative penalties such as probation or treatment orders.