Disgraced ref David Coote spotted in new job as he comes face to face with Liverpool fan
Six months on from his sacking by the PGMOL, former Premier League referee David Coote has been seen working in a completely different job as he moves on with his life
Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken up a new role as a package delivery driver for Evri.
The 42-year-old was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December after a video circulated on social media showcasing him criticising Liverpool and their then-manager, Jurgen Klopp. Following this incident, Coote was handed a 16-month ban by UEFA, disqualifying him from officiating until June 2026.
An additional video surfaced of him allegedly snorting white powder, which was also alleged to have taken place during the 2024 European Championships. With his current ban from refereeing, Coote can instead be found delivering parcels in the vicinity of his residence in Newark.
Ironically, it was a Liverpool supporter who made the shock discovery when they opened the door and saw the ex-official going about his delivery duties, with the interaction caught on their Ring doorbell. The homeowner told the Sun: "'My husband's a Liverpool fan and what David said didn't go down well.
"My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he's working on and recognised David. He said, 'He's delivering packages now.' I was like 'Oh my gosh, is he really?'"
Working at a courier service near his home in Nottinghamshire, Coote is seeking a renewed sense of direction. Per the Sun, he said: "I want to get on with my life. 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."
As well as his work as a courier, Coote has also been embarking on other noteworthy challenges while he is not allowed to return to the pitch. He ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May, raising money for his uncle Mick who is currently battling motor neurone disease.
Throughout his career, Coote refereed a total of 112 Premier League matches and 143 games in the Championship, reports the Mirror. Notably, he officiated the 2023 Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, a match contested between Manchester United and Newcastle.
However, he's looking at 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 admitted 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.
"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 and 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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