David Coote, the former Premier League referee sacked after making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, has come out publicly as being gay and said that hiding his sexuality contributed to the behaviour that led to his dismissal.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has said he hid his sexuality during his career, fearing the abuse he would receive for being gay.

Disgraced former Premier League referee David Coote says he hid his sexuality over fears of the abuse he would receive for being gay, apologising for the actions that led to

Disgraced former Premier League referee David Coote says a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality contributed to “shameful” decisions which led to his sacking last year. Coote was in October initially suspended by the referees’ body,