Sacked Premier League referee David Coote speaks on taking up a new job with a video showing him delivering Evri packages.
The 42 year old was seen delivering packages for Evri after being sacked by the PGMOL in December, dismissed due to leaked videos, including one where he insulted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and another showing him snorting a white powder.
The PGMOL deemed his actions untenable, leading to his immediate termination. Coote is also serving a 16-month UEFA ban following the controversies.
But recently, a couple was surprised to spot him delivering a parcel via their Ring doorbell footage, working for the courier firm near his home in Newark, Notts.
Sacked Premier League referee David Coote has been spotted delivering parcels for courier firm Evri Via SWNS pic.twitter.com/Os5XbRPk0q
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) June 3, 2025
He said, per The Sun: “I want to get on with my life.
“I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose.
“The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”
The homeowner at the address he delivered to said: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well.
“My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.
“He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’
“It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess.
“He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”
Coote said: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis.
“It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”
In May 2025, Coote took part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, raising money for his uncle Mick who has motor neurone disease.
Coote said: “I’m doing what I want to do, focusing on what’s important like spending more time with friends and family.”
A friend of his has said: “David’s a great lad who lost his career through stupidity, as he fully acknowledges.
“There might be a return for him to the game at some point, and football definitely needs experts like him.
“Until then he obviously has to pay the bills.”
He has also received support from fans on social media, defending him for being able to get on with him life after making a mistake.
Four months ago, David Coote opened up on the ‘dark days’ as the sacked referee revealed he felt ashamed on incidents, drug use and the Jurgen Klopp comment.
In a candid and emotional interview, he talked about the release of a controversial video involving himself and a friend, which included offensive remarks about Jurgen Klopp’s nationality, for which he expresses deep regret, stressing that the comments do not reflect his true feelings.
David acknowledged the severe consequences of his actions, including damage to his personal reputation and that of the PGMOL, the refereeing body.
He took full responsibility for his behaviour, particularly addressing a separate incident involving substance use post-match, which he insists did not affect his professional decisions but was a personal coping mechanism for pressure.
The public exposure led to intense scrutiny, causing him to experience shame, suicidal thoughts, and a panic attack while out shopping.
Support from others and therapy have been crucial in helping him cope.
David also shares his journey of coming out as gay, describing it as a relief that allows him to live authentically.
To move forward, he has taken up running, registering for a marathon in honour of his uncle with Motor Neurone Disease, and reflected on the loss of his mother, wishing for her support while feeling ashamed of his actions.
You can watch the interview below or read the transcript in full below…
David Coote on ‘dark days’, reveals he feels ashamed on incidents, drug use and Klopp comment
David Coote talks being sacked, death threats, cocaine battle and coming out as gay
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