Former Premier League referee David Coote has insisted that his drug use had no influence on his on-pitch decisions as he opened up on his sacking and why he said he is ashamed of his actions.

Ex-Premier League referee David Coote has been handed a new ban ... citing his sexuality as a reason for him turning to drugs to cope with the “macho” world of the Premier League.

Ref David Coote's investigation by the PGMOL is ... being investigated where Coote is allegedly seen involved with drugs. Coote has been refereeing in the Premier League since 2018.

David Coote is best known for being a referee in the English Premier League. He has been a member of the Select Group of Referees since 2010 and was promoted to Select Group 1 in the 2018/19 season.

Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes David Coote deserves another chance ... but a separate video showed him snorting drugs in a hotel room during Euro 2024. Per The Sun, Halsey said ...