Ex-Premier League referee accused of making video with child: details of the case.

Accusations against referee David Coote

According to The Sun: Premier League referee David Coote, who was dismissed, appeared in court where he was accused of creating an indecent video with a child.

The 43-year-old referee was arrested on August 12 during an investigation by Nottinghamshire police.

This occurred following his dismissal by PGMOL in December due to insults directed at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

At this point, Coote has appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for the hearing of the case.

He is accused of committing an offense classified as Category A, related to a video file seized by police in February 2025.

Category A offenses are the most serious.

The charge of creating an indecent image of a child covers the uploading, distribution, or possession of images or videos containing child abuse.

Coote made his Premier League debut in April 2018.

He officiated over 100 top division matches and provided refereeing services at Euro 2024 in Germany.

Coote was dismissed after a video leak in November last year showed him calling Klopp a 'German c***' and referring to Liverpool as 'h***'.

“Besides accusing me when I refereed them in a match against Burnley during lockdown, he also claimed I was lying and caused me a real scandal.”

“I have no interest in communicating with someone who is so arrogant.”

UEFA has banned Coote from officiating until June 30, 2026.

After his dismissal, he was seen on surveillance cameras delivering packages for the Evri company this summer.

The case of David Coote has generated significant resonance in the football community and society at large. Such allegations have a serious impact on the reputation of not only the individual but also the organizations associated with them. The situation prompts reflection on the responsibility of those in significant professions who influence the community.

Further hearings are expected to clarify all circumstances of the case and determine what consequences will follow for Coote and his past behavior.