Ex Premier League Referee Charged in Child Image Case | OneFootball

Former Liverpool controversy official faces court in Nottingham amid deepening disgrace

Ex Premier League Referee Charged in Child Image Case

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been officially charged with making indecent video of child, in case that has shaken English football’s refereeing community.

Court Appearance Confirmed

The 43 year old ex official, from Collingham, Nottinghamshire is set to appear before Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Police confirmed that the charge relates to video file recovered in February with Coote currently out on conditional bail.

Under UK law, the offence includes downloading, saving or sharing indecent material with penalties that could exceed 5 year in prison.

A Career in Collapse

Coote was already at the centre of major controversy. In December 2024 he was sacked by referees body PGMOL after leaked video showed him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their then coach Jurgen Klopp whom he insulted as the "stupid German"

The FA also handed him 8 week suspension while UEFA banned him until Jun 2026 following another scandal at Euro 2024 where he was filmed allegedly snorting white powder.

From VAR Booth to Court Dock

Once trusted figure in Premier League matches & VAR operations Coote’s reputation has disintegrated in less than 2 year.

What began as criticism for his officiating decisions has spiraled into criminal charges that could end his career & freedom altogether.