David Coote opened up on his future plans as he spoke publicly for the first time since his contract was terminated by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
The 42-year-old, who first refereed a Premier League fixture in April 2018 after previously officiating in the Football League, was sacked in December last year following a PGMOL investigation into two separate alleged videos.
The first video, which was widely circulated on social media in November, appeared to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
A short time later, a second video emerged which allegedly showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 – a day after he served as a support VAR official for Spain's quarter-final clash against Germany.
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Now, Coote has spoken out on his dismissal in a wide-ranging interview with The Sun, in which he admitted to using drugs as a result of the fear of making his sexuality public as a Premier League referee.
He also revealed that he is considering a move into the media to advocate for referees, who continue to face intense scrutiny.
"I'll be looking to make sure my health and wellbeing is in the best possible place. Nobody really prepares you for moving through each level and then arriving in the Premier League, which is like a goldfish bowl," he said.
"You don't apply for promotion, people just take a judgment on your performances and you as a person, and give you the opportunity at a new level. All of us who operate at the top levels of the game, we’re just normal guys, football fans who’ve been fortunate enough to be selected and move through the levels.
"I've been really fortunate as a football fan to have seen the great players at such close quarters. But there is a trade-off. We don’t get an easy ride of it."
At the weekend, the PGMOL confirmed that an investigation has been launched after 'abhorrent' threats were made towards Michael Oliver and his family in the wake of his decision to send off Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly for serious foul play.
The statement added: "The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour."
A statement given to Sky Sports was published on Monday following his interview.
"This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me," it read.
"I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.
"My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.
"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.
"Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."
Topics: Premier League, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp
Jack Kenmare