David Coote's new life after refereeing ban with drastic career change caught on camera
David Coote's new life after refereeing ban with drastic career change caught on camera
David Coote was sacked by the PGMOL in December and a surprised resident within his local area was shocked to see him working in a completely different job
David Coote is currently banned from refereeing
(Image: Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images )
In the space of six months, ex-Premier League referee David Coote has gone from handing out red cards to giving out parcels for Evri.
The 42-year-old official was dismissed by the PGMOL in December following a video that emerged on social media showing him criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Subsequently, Coote received a 16-month UEFA suspension from refereeing duties, which is set to conclude in June 2026.
Another video allegedly depicting the official snorting white powder also circulated, with other reports claiming this incident occurred during his time at the 2024 European Championships. Now he is currently barred from officiating, Coote has taken up a courier role close to his Newark residence.
A couple was notably surprised when they spotted the former official delivering a package to their doorstep via their Ring doorbell. Coote, who is employed by the delivery company near his home in Nottinghamshire, expressed his desire to move forward and find meaning in his life again.
"I want to get on with my life," he said, per the Sun. "I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career."
During his tenure as a referee in England, Coote presided over 112 Premier League matches and 143 Championship fixtures, reports the Mirror. He also officiated the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle at Wembley in 2023.
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As well as delivering parcels for Evri, he has also been challenging himself in his spare time. He ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, where he fundraised for his uncle Mick, who is currently living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Coote has been keeping himself busy
(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images )
However, he is set to spend at least another year away from the sport following UEFA's decision in February. "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life," he confessed earlier this year.
"I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me. I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love.
"I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.
Coote took charge of 112 Premier League matches
(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images )
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"My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.
"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL, Howard Webb and countless people across football.
"Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support. I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."
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