Former Premier League referee David Coote has insisted that his drug use had no bearing on his on-pitch decisions.

The official said earlier this week that struggles with his sexuality contributed to the ‘really poor choices’ that led to his sacking

David Coote, the former Premier League referee sacked after making derogatory comments about ex-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 apologised for the actions that led to his sacking last month by English soccer's referees' body PGMOL, saying that the pressure of the job and fear of abuse due to his sexuality triggered his behaviour.

Coote was in October initially suspended by the referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), after a video of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp “arrogant” and a “German c***” circulated on social media.

David Coote was dismissed by refereeing body PGMOL in December; a video appearing to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp was widely circulated o

David Coote has come out as gay in his first interview since his dismissal as a Premier League referee last month, with the official opening up about his sexuality

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

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