Sport

Ex-Premier League Referee David Coote Open Up Out About Being Gay

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

Former Premier League referee David Coote has publicly come out as gay, sharing his journey for the first time in an interview with the UK Sun. In the interview, Coote also revealed that he used cocaine as a way to escape from the pressures of his life and career.

The 42-year-old was dismissed from his position as a referee last year after a series of incidents that led the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to conclude that he had seriously breached his contract.

Coote spoke candidly about his struggles, reflecting on the shame he felt during his teenage years for hiding his sexuality. He admitted that he didn’t come out to his parents until he was 21 and to his friends until he was 25.

While Coote acknowledged that his sexuality was not the sole factor behind the downfall of his career, he emphasized that he couldn’t tell his full story without being honest about his identity.

He admitted that the emotional suppression he experienced as a young referee—both in terms of hiding his sexuality and his feelings—was a trait that may have served him well in his professional role but was damaged in his personal life.

Sport

Paul Merson Advises Mikel Arteta Ahead of Sunday’s Match

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Arsenal legend Paul Merson passes message to Mikel Arteta to place Kepa Arrizabalaga as the goalkeeper in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

In a recent interview he shared “Arsenal need to make a big decision whether to go with Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya in goal, Kepa has been first-choice in the Carabao Cup, and they should stick with him. It is only fair because he played well and took them to this stage”

Sport

Joleon Lescott Backs Arsenal Ahead of Sporting Clash

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Former Manchester City player, Joleon Lescott shares his prediction on Arsenal FC ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash.

It can be noted that Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, while FC Barcelona will take on Atlético Madrid.

“I would not say so just because of the way they defend.

“I think a more compact team like Arsenal, and with the offensive talent that they have, I think will cause Barca a lot of problems because I still think there are frailties in their defensive line.”

He shared that Arsenal has a chance of going far in the competition.