Ex-referee David Coote comes out as gay and admits to 'real struggles'

Coote said he and his late mother had received death threats following decisions he made on the field.

Former Premier League referee David Coote was initially suspended last October after footage emerged of him mocking ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Pic: PA Wire/PA Images

Former Premier League referee David Coote has revealed that a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality contributed to the X-rated rant that saw him dismissed from his post last year.

Coote was initially suspended last October after footage emerged of him mocking ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in a video that was widely shared on social media.