Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with making an indecent image of a child, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed. The 43-year-old, who was sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) in December 2024, now faces a Category A offence—the most serious type under UK law.

Serious Category A Charge

Police said the charge relates to a video recovered in February 2025. Category A offences typically involve penetrative sexual activity with children, according to the Sentencing Council. In legal terms, “making an indecent image of a child” includes downloading, sharing, or saving illegal photos or videos.

Coote was officially charged on 12 August 2025 and has been released on conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Fall From Premier League Refereeing

David Coote’s downfall began in late 2024 when the PGMO terminated his contract following a series of off-field scandals. Leaked videos showed him:

• Making abusive remarks about then-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in 2020.
• Snorting a white powder while on duty as an official during the UEFA Euro 2024 Championship in Germany.

In January 2025, Coote gave an interview to The Sun, where he publicly came out as gay, admitting that years of hiding his sexuality contributed to his past erratic behaviour, including the rant about Klopp and apparent drug use.

Bans From Football Authorities

• PGMO Chief Howard Webb confirmed at the start of the 2024/25 season that a return to refereeing for Coote was “really difficult.”
• UEFA banned Coote from officiating in its competitions until June 2026.
• In August 2024, the Football Association also suspended him over the Klopp footage.

What’s Next?

With the new child indecency charge, David Coote’s career in football appears permanently over. His court appearance at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court later this week will determine the next steps in the case.

Disgusting.