Nottingham, England – January 8, 2026 – Former Premier League referee David Coote, aged 43, has been sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to making an indecent image of a child. The sentencing took place at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, where Judge Nirmal Shant KC described Coote's case as a "spectacular fall from grace."
The charge stemmed from the discovery of a Category A indecent video – the most serious classification – featuring a 15-year-old boy initially in school uniform. The two-minute-and-11-second clip, dated January 2, 2020, was recovered from Coote's laptop during a police seizure of his electronic devices in February 2025.
Prosecutor Jeremy Janes outlined that the offence, which includes downloading or saving such material, carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. The video was uncovered amid a separate investigation into derogatory comments Coote made about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in a 2020 video that surfaced publicly.
During a police interview in February 2025, Coote provided "no comment" responses to questions about the indecent material. Officers also found cocaine at his residence that month, for which he received a caution. Judge Shant noted mitigating factors, including Coote's loneliness following a recent relationship breakdown, mental health struggles, and cocaine use, which she said affected his judgment. "You were consuming cocaine, which of course was your choice, but it had a direct effect on your thinking," the judge remarked.
Emphasizing the gravity of the offence, Judge Shant stressed that such videos "involve a real child being abused" and urged consideration of the "consequent damage" to victims. In addition to the suspended sentence, Coote was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and required to register on the sex offenders' list.
Coote's barrister, Laura Jane Miller, conveyed his deep remorse, stating he is "deeply ashamed of himself and his actions." She highlighted the intense media scrutiny he has endured over the past six years and noted his cooperation with probation services, where he expressed genuine regret.
Coote's downfall in football began in late 2024 when a video emerged showing him making abusive remarks about Klopp, calling the then-Liverpool boss a "German c***" and expressing bias against the club. This led to his sacking by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024. In August 2025, the Football Association imposed an eight-week suspension related to the Klopp footage.
Earlier, in January 2025, Coote publicly came out as gay in an interview with The Sun newspaper, attributing some of his past behaviors – including the Klopp comments – to a lifelong struggle with hiding his sexuality and associated stresses. He also admitted to using cocaine as a coping mechanism.
The discovery of the indecent image occurred during the investigation into the Klopp video, marking a further escalation in Coote's legal troubles. Coote, from Newark-on-Trent, had a long career officiating in the Premier League and international matches before his dismissal.
After the hearing, Coote was granted access to a restricted court area and exited via a private probation liaison office, declining to comment to waiting media.
This case has drawn significant attention in the football world, highlighting issues of personal conduct among officials and the consequences of off-field actions. Coote's suspension from immediate custody allows him to rebuild his life under strict conditions, but the conviction permanently tarnishes his legacy in the sport.
The sentencing underscores the UK's stringent laws on child sexual abuse material, with courts balancing punishment, rehabilitation, and public protection.
