UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former Premier League referee David Coote’s sentencing for making a category A indecent image of a child, to which he pleaded guilty in October 2025, was postponed from 11 December to 8 January 2026 at Nottingham Crown Court due to his barrister’s medical absence. Judge Nirmal Shant KC refused to proceed via video link, amid Coote’s prior dismissal by PGMOL over a 2020 video disparaging Jürgen Klopp and a UEFA suspension.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment Reasons
Nottingham Crown Court convened briefly on 11 December for Coote’s sentencing, initially set after his guilty plea. As reported by Nottinghamshire Live via Daily Express sport writer, Judge Nirmal Shant stated:
“The sentencing [is] being delayed until January so that Coote’s attorney could be present in court rather than appearing via video link.”
ITV News Central detailed:
“Judge Nirmal Shant KC said she was ‘simply not prepared’ to deal with the sentencing if his lawyer appeared in court by video-link.”
Liverpool Echo echoed:
“Judge Nirmal Shant KC expressed that she was ‘simply not willing’ to continue with the sentencing if his attorney attended via video link.”
GB News sport coverage noted the hearing lasted merely three minutes before rescheduling, with Coote absent. In October, Judge Shant had remarked upon his plea: “You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter. The decision regarding custody will be made when all information is presented to the court, which is why I have requested a pre-sentence report,” granting conditional bail.
Charge Details and Discovery
Coote faces charges for making an indecent image of a child, specifically downloading, sharing, or saving abuse material. ITV News Central explained:
“The offence of making an indecent image of a child refers to activities such as downloading, sharing or saving abuse photos or videos.”
An earlier magistrates’ court hearing revealed the category A video surfaced via the Football Association’s investigation into Coote. Authorities seized devices upon his home arrest, uncovering the material from 2 January 2020.
Coote first denied the charge at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in September 2025 but changed his plea to guilty at Crown Court on 14 October, as per Reuters sports wire. He was charged on 12 August 2025.
Refereeing Career Highlights
David Coote debuted in the Premier League on 8 April 2018, refereeing Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion. Daily Express highlighted his oversight of the 2023 Carabao Cup final where Manchester United defeated Newcastle at Wembley. His penultimate Premier League match was West Ham United vs Manchester United in October 2024; his last was Liverpool vs Aston Villa at Anfield in November 2024.
PGMOL Dismissal and Klopp Video
Coote’s fall accelerated with a 2020 video surfacing, allegedly showing him disparaging Jürgen Klopp. PGMOL sacked him in December 2024, stating:
“After completing a comprehensive investigation into David Coote’s behavior, his employment with PGMOL has been ended effective immediately. David Coote’s actions were determined to be in serious violation of his employment contract, rendering his position untenable. Supporting David Coote remains important to us, and we are dedicated to his welfare. He has the right to appeal the termination of his employment,”
The FA issued an eight-week suspension in August 2025 over the footage. UEFA suspended him in February 2025 after a video purportedly showed him using white powder via a banknote in Germany during Euro 2024.
Personal Background and Statements
Coote came out as gay in a January 2025 Sun interview, attributing a lifelong struggle hiding his sexuality to the Klopp rant. ESPN Australia reported his 13 October 2025 guilty plea at Crown Court. The Athletic’s 14 October piece titled “The disgrace of David Coote” chronicled his downfall from top refereeing.
Wikipedia notes his broader career, though details truncated in coverage.
Media and Public Reactions
Outlets like Liverpool Echo via Facebook and Instagram posts amplified the delay, with phrases like “David Coote’s Shocking Fall from Refereeing Glory” on Instagram. GB News termed him “disgraced referee.” No further statements from Coote post-plea reported.