Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to possessing an indecent image of a child. The 43-year-old ex-official, who hails from Newark, appeared before Judge Nirmal Shant KC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in connection with an allegation involving a category A video, the most severe form of child sexual abuse image.
The Case
Coote was charged following the recovery of the video by officers in February 2025. During the court hearing, Coote, dressed in a navy suit and black tie, confirmed his name and entered a guilty plea. He stood in the dock with his hands clasped in front of him as the charge was read.
The judge, in her remarks, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, telling Coote that a pre-sentence report would be prepared before his sentencing. “You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter. Whether this means custody or not will be decided when all the information is before the court,” she stated.
Background
David Coote was dismissed from his role by Professional Game Match Officials Limited in December 2024 after a video surfaced in which he made derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Additionally, Coote received an eight-week suspension from the Football Association in August 2025 over the Klopp footage.
In January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay in an interview with The Sun, sharing that his struggle to conceal his sexuality had contributed to his outburst regarding Klopp.
Bail and Future Court Appearance
Coote was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
