David Coote pleads not guilty to indecent video charge

Introduction to the David Coote case

David Coote, once a respected Premier League referee, now finds himself at the centre of a serious legal case. In September 2025, the 43-year-old from Collingham appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court to face a Category A charge of making an indecent video of a child. This charge represents one of the gravest offences related to child protection laws in the UK.

Coote’s plea was not guilty, and he was granted conditional bail. His next court appearance will be at Nottingham Crown Court on October 9 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The developments in this case have sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond.

Details of the charges and legal implications

The charge against Coote concerns a video file recovered by investigators in February 2025. Category A offences are the most serious of all indecent image classifications, typically involving images or videos depicting severe abuse. The term “making an indecent image” legally includes not only creating but also downloading, sharing, or saving such material.

Given the nature of the charge, Coote faces significant legal consequences if found guilty. The UK legal system treats offences involving child exploitation with utmost severity, reflecting society’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.

Background: Coote’s career and controversies

Before these allegations, David Coote was known for his role as a Premier League referee. However, his career came under scrutiny after two controversial videos surfaced online in late 2024. In December 2024, Coote was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the circulation of a video where he appeared to make derogatory remarks about Liverpool Football Club and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

This incident led to an eight-week suspension imposed by the Football Association in August 2025. The FA’s disciplinary actions highlighted the governing body's intolerance of unprofessional conduct among officials.

Further allegations and UEFA’s involvement

In addition to the derogatory comments video, a second clip emerged in November 2024. This footage purportedly showed Coote snorting a white powder during the Euro 2024 tournament, where he served as one of the assistant VAR officials. This raised serious questions about his professionalism and conduct at the highest level of European football.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, responded swiftly by appointing an ethics investigator to examine these allegations. Subsequently, Coote was banned by UEFA until June 30, 2026, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to integrity and ethical standards in football.

Impact on football officiating and broader sports community

The Coote case has reverberated beyond just football refereeing circles. It has prompted discussions about the vetting and monitoring of officials involved in top-tier sports. Ensuring referees uphold the highest standards both on and off the pitch is crucial for maintaining public trust in the game.

This controversy also shines a light on the pressures officials face and the need for support systems. For instance, examining how referees like Coote might be better supported could prevent such situations in the future. Insights from other sports can be valuable; for example, the discipline and professionalism seen in Formula 1, as highlighted in Max Verstappen’s 2025 F1 season, set a benchmark for conduct under pressure.

Legal process and what to expect next

As the case progresses, Coote’s plea of not guilty means the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The trial preparation hearing in October will determine how the case proceeds to trial. Given the severity of the charge, the trial will be closely followed by both the football community and the public.

Defendants in such cases often face long legal battles. It's important to remember that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The court proceedings will carefully examine the evidence, including the video in question and any supporting materials.

Conclusion: reflection and future considerations

The allegations against David Coote have cast a shadow over his career and raised broader concerns about conduct in professional sport. This case serves as a reminder of the vital importance of safeguarding in all areas of society, including sports.

For football fans and sports followers, it is important to separate individual actions from the sport itself. Football continues to thrive with integrity, as seen in developments such as Sky Sports’ historic WSL broadcast deal, which emphasises growth and professionalism in the game.

As the legal process unfolds, staying informed through reliable sources like SportsScoop will ensure readers receive accurate updates. It also highlights the need for greater education and vigilance around safeguarding issues in sport and beyond.