Report: Coote charged with indecent image offence and pleads not guilty | OneFootball

Coote Enters Not Guilty Plea Over Indecent Image Charge

Former Premier League referee David Coote has formally pleaded not guilty after being charged with making an indecent image of a child. The 43-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court where he denied the allegation and was granted conditional bail. His case is now set to progress to Nottingham Crown Court in October.

This development comes after months of speculation surrounding the former official, who was dismissed from his professional duties in December and banned by UEFA until 2026.

Court Appearance and Charge

Coote, of Woodhill Road in Collingham, Nottinghamshire, was charged on 12 August following a police investigation earlier this year. Nottinghamshire Police stated that the case related to a video file that officers recovered in February.

During the 18-minute hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, Coote confirmed his personal details and entered his plea. He spoke only to provide his name, date of birth, and to deny the charge. He was released on conditional bail, with his next appearance scheduled at Nottingham Crown Court on 9 October.

The charge of making an indecent image of a child refers to activities such as downloading, sharing, or saving photos and videos of abuse. As the case progresses, further scrutiny will inevitably follow, particularly given his former role within professional football.

Background to Coote’s Dismissal

Coote was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024 after footage emerged of him making inappropriate comments about then-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, relating back to 2020. While the comments resurfacing played a major role in his dismissal, it also prompted UEFA to impose a ban preventing him from officiating in European competitions until June 2026.

This series of disciplinary measures meant his career within top-level football had already been brought to an end before the latest charge emerged. His name had once been associated with high-profile Premier League matches, but in recent months it has been linked with controversy and disciplinary headlines.

Impact on Professional Standing

The latest charge represents a dramatic shift for Coote, whose refereeing career had seen him rise through the ranks to the elite level of English football. His not guilty plea ensures that legal proceedings will continue, and it also leaves questions over how his case might influence perceptions of those previously entrusted with responsibility at the highest level of the sport.

While PGMOL had already severed ties with Coote, the confirmation of his charge has intensified discussions about the standards of accountability expected in football. High-profile referees are often scrutinised for their decisions on the pitch, but off-field conduct carries equally weighty implications.

Next Steps in Proceedings

The case will now move to Nottingham Crown Court, where Coote will appear on 9 October. The hearing is expected to determine how the matter will progress and whether a trial will follow. The conditional bail imposed on him means he remains under specific restrictions until his next appearance.

Coote’s legal team will likely prepare to challenge the allegations in detail at the Crown Court. For now, the emphasis rests on the single charge of making an indecent image of a child, which underlines the seriousness of the accusation.

His not guilty plea indicates his intent to contest the allegation fully. For those within football who followed his refereeing career, the focus will inevitably remain on both the legal process and the wider debate over how such cases intersect with the professional integrity of the game.