David Coote Sentenced: Former Referee Gets Suspended Jail Term
The sight of a Premier League referee in a courtroom is rare, but the case of David Coote has drawn attention far beyond football as the former official now faces the consequences of breaking them. This article lays out the verified timeline, from his suspension to his criminal conviction and suspended sentence, backed by court reports and official sources.
Full name: David Harry Coote ·
Date of birth: 11 July 1982 ·
Former role: English Premier League referee ·
Guilty plea: 14 October 2025 ·
Sentence: 9 months prison, suspended 2 years (8 Jan 2026) ·
Offence: Making indecent images of a child (sexual video of 15-year-old boy)
Quick snapshot
- Nov 2024: Suspended by PGMOL (BBC Sport)
- Dec 2024: Employment terminated (The Guardian)
- Feb 2025: UEFA ban until June 2026 (Reuters)
- Aug 2025: Charged by police (Sky News)
- Oct 2025: Guilty plea (BBC News)
- Jan 2026: Sentenced (BBC News)
- Coote subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (BBC News)
- UEFA ban runs until June 2026 (Reuters)
- No public statement from Coote post-sentencing (BBC News)
Eight key facts, one pattern: from the Premier League pitch to criminal court, the case tracks a swift fall from professional authority.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | David Harry Coote |
| Date of birth | 11 July 1982 |
| Former occupation | Premier League referee |
| Offence | Making indecent image of a child (sexual video of 15-year-old boy) |
| Plea date | 14 October 2025 |
| Sentencing date | 8 January 2026 |
| Sentence | 9 months in prison, suspended for 2 years |
| Court | Not specified in public reports |
What is the latest verified information about David Coote?
Latest court outcome
- David Coote pleaded guilty on 14 October 2025 to making an indecent image of a child (BBC News (UK broadcaster)).
- On 8 January 2026, he received a 9-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years (BBC News (UK broadcaster)).
- The offence involved a category A video (the most serious classification) of a 15-year-old boy (BBC News).
- The judge also imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (BBC News).
Timeline of conviction
- 11 November 2024: Coote suspended by PGMOL after a video emerged showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp (BBC Sport (UK sports broadcaster)).
- December 2024: PGMOL terminated his employment, deeming his position untenable (The Guardian (UK newspaper)).
- 28 February 2025: UEFA banned Coote from all UEFA activities until 30 June 2026 for breaching basic rules of decent conduct (Reuters (international news agency)).
- 12 August 2025: Nottinghamshire Police charged Coote with making an indecent image of a child (Sky News (UK broadcaster)).
- 14 October 2025: Coote pleaded guilty at court (BBC News).
- 8 January 2026: Sentencing hearing (BBC News).
What should readers know first about David Coote?
Who is David Coote
- David Harry Coote was born on 11 July 1982 (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
- He began officiating in the English Football League in the early 2010s and was promoted to the Premier League Select Group in 2018 (BBC Sport).
- He resided in Woodhill, Collingham, Nottinghamshire (BBC News).
Professional background
- Coote officiated matches in the Premier League from 2018 until his suspension in November 2024.
- He was a member of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Select Group.
- His career ended after a video surfaced in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp, leading to a UEFA ban and eventual criminal proceedings (The Guardian).
Coote’s career trajectory shows a remarkably swift descent: from elite referee in early 2024 to convicted sex offender by early 2026. The football authorities acted decisively, but the criminal case dealt a far heavier blow to his reputation.
Which official sources confirm key claims about David Coote?
Court records
- The BBC News (UK broadcaster) live coverage of the sentencing confirmed the details of the guilty plea, the category A video, and the 10-year sexual harm prevention order (BBC News Live).
- Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) reported the suspension timeline and the sentencing outcome (Sky Sports).
- Sky News (UK news broadcaster) reported the charging decision on 12 August 2025 (Sky News).
News reports from established outlets
- The Guardian (UK newspaper) confirmed the UEFA ban and the grounds for it (The Guardian).
- Reuters (international news agency) reported the UEFA ban with specific dates (Reuters).
- ESPN (US sports broadcaster) reiterated the UEFA disciplinary findings (ESPN).
- Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) provides a consolidated background on Coote’s career (Wikipedia).
Every key claim in this article is sourced from at least one tier-2 outlet (BBC, Guardian, Reuters, Sky, ESPN). There is no reliance on unverified social media or anonymous tips. Readers can trust the factual backbone of the narrative.
What is still unclear or unverified about David Coote?
Additional potential charges
- No official sources have confirmed any ongoing investigations beyond the single charge.
- The exact method by which police discovered the video remains unconfirmed; reports only state it was found on a device earlier in 2025 (Sky News).
- Whether Coote has appealed the sentence is not publicly known.
- The exact date when the video was discovered has not been disclosed.
Personal background details
- No official statement from Coote after sentencing has been published.
- His current employment status is not publicly known.
- The specific court and judge who handled the case have not been named in major reports.
Timeline of David Coote’s fall from Premier League referee to convicted offender
- 11 July 1982 – David Coote born.
- Early 2010s – Began officiating in the English Football League.
- 2018 – Promoted to Premier League Select Group.
- 11 November 2024 – Suspended by PGMOL after video emerges.
- December 2024 – Employment terminated by PGMOL.
- 28 February 2025 – UEFA bans Coote until 30 June 2026.
- 12 August 2025 – Charged by Nottinghamshire Police.
- 14 October 2025 – Pleads guilty to making indecent image of a child.
- 8 January 2026 – Sentenced to 9 months suspended for 2 years.
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- David Coote was a Premier League referee. (BBC Sport)
- He pleaded guilty on 14 October 2025. (BBC News)
- He was sentenced to 9 months suspended for 2 years on 8 January 2026. (BBC News)
- The offence involved a category A indecent video of a 15-year-old boy. (BBC News)
- He received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. (BBC News)
- UEFA banned him until June 2026. (Reuters)
What’s unclear
- How the video was discovered.
- Whether any additional charges exist.
- Coote’s current employment status.
- The specific court and judge.
- Any statement from Coote post-sentencing.
- Whether Coote has appealed the sentence.
- The exact date when the video was discovered.
Key statements from the case
“The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.”
– Judge at sentencing, as reported by Daily Mail
“Coote breached the basic rules of decent conduct and brought football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”
– UEFA disciplinary body, as reported by ESPN
“The video found by detectives was on a device earlier in 2025.”
– Sky News, citing police sources
The case of David Coote is a stark example of how quickly a professional career can unravel when off-field conduct crosses into criminality. For the Premier League and PGMOL, the episode raises uncomfortable questions about the vetting and oversight of match officials. For Coote, the consequence is a criminal record, a suspended prison sentence, and a permanent ban from officiating at the highest level. The choice for football authorities is clear: strengthen safeguards, or risk further reputational damage.
Frequently asked questions
What was David Coote convicted of?
He was convicted of making an indecent image of a child, specifically a category A sexual video of a 15-year-old boy.
Did David Coote go to prison?
No. He received a 9-month prison sentence suspended for 2 years, meaning he will not serve time unless he reoffends or breaches the order.
When was David Coote sentenced?
He was sentenced on 8 January 2026.
How long was David Coote a referee?
He began officiating in the English Football League in the early 2010s and was a Premier League referee from 2018 until his suspension in November 2024.
What league did David Coote officiate in?
He officiated in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, as a member of the PGMOL Select Group.
What is a suspended sentence?
A suspended sentence means the prison term is not served immediately; the offender is placed on probation and must comply with conditions. If they commit another offence within the suspension period, they can be sent to prison.
Is David Coote allowed to referee again?
No. PGMOL terminated his employment, and UEFA banned him from any officiating duties until 30 June 2026. Given the criminal conviction, a return to refereeing is extremely unlikely.
More related posts
Travis Fimmel: Personal Life, Career & FAQs (2025)
Joani Reid: Suspension After Husband’s China Spy Arrest
Queen Elizabeth: Facts, Myths, and Unanswered Questions
Peugeot 5008 7 Seater – Price, Specs, Interior and Powertrains
Manchester United F.C. vs Ipswich Town – Stats, H2H and Analysis
Celine Dion Health Update 2026: SPS Comeback & Latest News
How to Make Peppercorn Sauce: Classic & Easy Recipes
Fast Results Sporting Life: Live Horse & Greyhound Racing Today
