The world of English football is in shock after former Premier League referee David Coote was charged with creating a serious indecent video of a child. 

This charge is the latest in a rapid fall from grace for the 43-year-old, who was fired from his job last year after being involved in several scandals. 

The police confirmed that the charge is about a video recovered earlier this year. Coote is set to appear in court on Thursday to answer the charges.

The charge against Coote stems from a video file that Nottinghamshire Police recovered in February 2025. 

Under UK law, Category A is the most serious classification for indecent images of children, indicating the most severe forms of abuse. 

The act of “making” such material, as defined by police, includes downloading, storing, or sharing the content, not necessarily creating the original video. 

Coote was formally charged on August 12, 2025, and is currently on conditional bail pending his court appearance. 

A conviction for this type of offense can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

David Coote’s fall from grace has been swift and dramatic. 

A former FIFA-listed referee and a prominent Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at tournaments like Euro 2024, his career began to unravel in late 2024. 

In November of that year, a video surfaced showing Coote making offensive comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, calling him a “German c**t.” 

The Football Association (FA) later suspended him for eight weeks, citing an aggravated breach due to the reference to Klopp’s nationality.

The controversies didn’t stop there. 

Another video emerged, reportedly showing Coote snorting a white powder. 

This led to a ban from European competitions by UEFA until mid-2026. 

In a candid interview, Coote attributed his troubling behavior to personal struggles, including hiding his sexuality, which he said contributed to “harmful patterns.” 

In December 2024, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) sacked him, with PGMOL chief Howard Webb later stating it would be “really difficult” for Coote to return to officiating. 

Since then, Coote has reportedly been working as a delivery driver, a stark contrast to his previous high-profile career.

The public reaction to the child indecency charge has been one of outrage and disbelief. 

The case brings a fresh wave of scrutiny upon football’s governing bodies, such as the FA and PGMOL, regarding their systems for vetting officials and providing support. 

While there’s no direct connection between the charge and Coote’s professional role, the case highlights the need for robust safeguarding policies and mental health support within the sport. 

This event serves as a chilling reminder that personal conduct can have devastating consequences, both professionally and legally.