Former Referee Richard Coote Opens Up About His Struggles with Sexuality, Substance Abuse, and Abusive Behavior

Richard Coote, a former semi-professional football referee, recently spoke out about his personal struggles, including his suspension last October following a video in which he mocked former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Coote has also disclosed details about his sexuality and past substance abuse problems in a candid interview with The Sun.

Initial Suspension and Video Controversy

Coote’s suspension in October 2023 came after a video emerged showing him making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp. The incident sparked widespread discussions about the pressures and scrutiny faced by referees.

Courageously Revealing His Sexual Orientation

In the interview, Coote bravely discussed his sexuality, which he had hidden for years. “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position,” he stated. “But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles with hiding that.”

Coote admitted, “I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviors.”

The Dark Side: Cocaine Use and Mental Health

Further photographs shared by The Sun in November suggested that Coote had engaged in cocaine use during Euro 2024. The images showed him snorting white powder through a rolled-up bank note.

“I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video,” Coote said. “I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position – escaping.”

He continued, “I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it – but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”

The Impact of Crucial Decisions

Coote highlighted the significant impact of his on-field decisions. “Every official that takes to the pitch up and down the country from a local playing field to the Premier League is a human being, not just a referee,” he said. “They have feelings. They may not show them, but it will impact them when they’re receiving abuse.”

He spoke emotionally about the abuse he and his late mother received following certain matches. “I’ve struggled and I’ve tried to get through it in my own way and made poor decisions in doing so,” Coote admitted.

Advocating for Better Support for Referees

Coote used his experiences to advocate for improved support for referees. “I hope that others make better decisions and that referees are given an easier ride in the levels of scrutiny, and levels of abuse that come in their direction,” he said.

“I hope this shines a light on the impact it can have on a person,” he concluded.

Conclusion

Richard Coote’s journey from a respected official to someone grappling with personal demons serves as a stark reminder of the mental and emotional toll the job can take. His openness about his struggles highlights the importance of support and understanding for referees.

What You Can Do

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this deeply personal story. If you have also faced similar challenges or support someone who has, your insights can help raise awareness and foster a supportive community.

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