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David Coote, once a familiar face in English football’s top flight, has resurfaced in an unlikely role, delivering parcels for courier company Evri just months after his dramatic exit from the world of professional refereeing.
His fall from grace, following a string of controversies and a subsequent UEFA ban, has sparked fresh conversations about accountability, redemption, and life after scandal in elite sports.
What Happened to David Coote?
Aged 42, Coote was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December 2024 after a damaging video emerged online.
In it, he was allegedly heard making disparaging remarks about Liverpool FC and its manager Jürgen Klopp. The video not only undermined his credibility but raised serious concerns over bias and professionalism among top-level referees.
Adding fuel to the fire, another clip allegedly showed Coote snorting a white substance, reportedly during the 2024 European Championships while he was on duty. Though the authenticity of the video remains publicly unverified, the damage was done. UEFA slapped Coote with a 16-month ban, sidelining him from officiating duties until June 2026.
From Wembley to Newark: A Career ResetWith his refereeing career in limbo, Coote has sought refuge in a quieter, more grounded life. Now based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, he has taken up a job with Evri, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery firms.
A local couple recently shared footage from their Ring doorbell showing the former referee delivering a package to their doorstep, an image that quickly went viral across social media.
In a statement reported by The Sun, Coote said, “I want to get on with my life. I’m trying to move forward and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.
All about David CooteDavid Coote’s résumé is far from ordinary. He officiated 112 Premier League matches and 143 Championship games, making him one of the more experienced referees of his generation.
In February 2023, he presided over the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley between Manchester United and Newcastle United, a high point in what was then a respected career.
However, his swift downfall underscores the growing importance of off-field conduct, especially in the age of viral content and digital scrutiny.
The controversy has sparked renewed calls for stricter ethical codes, mental health support, and digital conduct training within the refereeing system. PGMOL and UEFA have both increased their focus on integrity, with more frequent reviews of referees’ off-pitch behavior and its impact on match credibility.
Coote’s situation is now cited in training seminars for upcoming referees as a case study on how personal lapses can derail even the most promising careers.
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