Why David Coote Keeps Making Headlines in the Premier League

In football, players and managers tend to dominate the headlines. However, sometimes the referee can become the main story, and with David Coote that has happened on a few occasions. Coote has found himself at the centre of discussions in the Premier League on several occasions (both in relation to decisions he has made on the field, as well as decisions related to VAR). Any time a high-profile match takes place that Coote is officiating, his name often trends throughout football spaces online.

For many football fans across England who play and consume football throughout the world, when David Coote is mentioned, they immediately think of controversies, decisions about red cards, and penalty shouts that changed the course of the games. As a consequence, Coote has become one of the most widely discussed referees in recent Premier League history.

In this article, we will explore why David Coote keeps making headlines, his career journey, his biggest controversies, the challenges referees face in the modern game, and how fans, managers, and even players perceive him.

Who Is David Coote?

David Coote is an English football referee, officiating in the Premier League from 2018 on. He is originally from Nottinghamshire, and began progressing through the English refereeing system from non-league to the Premier League, via the Championship.

Unlike players, referees may not always find themselves in the headlines due to their successful referee career, but rather for their mistakes. Coote has been seen as an adequate official, however, there are plenty of moments where fans and pundits alike have been dumbfounded by his calls.

Why Does David Coote Keep Making Headlines?

David Coote will continue to be a permanent figure in Premier League conversations for many reasons:

 Major Blunders

A referee is always expected to get the major decisions right, however if they get it wrong, the ramifications are huge. Coote has consistently been embroiled in major controversies, with managers and fans alike questioning his decisions publicly.

Major Goings On with VAR

Coote has recently been present for controversy due to the new VAR (Video Assistant Referee). He was often officiating the games himself or been the VAR official. Some of the most argued calls over the last seasons have included Coote, added scrutiny.

 Major Appointments

Coote is always used for major Premier League games. More so than not, his decisions make a more significant impact, whether that be fighting for a title, qualifying for top 4, or relegation.

Fans and the Media

Fans now dissect every referee decision through the lens of social media in a snap. it's hard to separate Coote from the controversy when, as a fan, every decision you make is against a referee like Coote that week after week can be synonymous with a debacle.

David Coote’s Most Controversial Moments

Here are some of the biggest incidents that kept David Coote in headlines:

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United (2020)

One of his most infamous mistakes came in June 2020, with Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United. They were playing in a match where goal-line technology didn't work, and VAR failed to intervene when Sheffield had an open goal, that crossed the line. Not it was not Coote's fault solely, the responsibility fell on him as the match referee, and received plenty of backlash afterwards.

 Manchester United vs Chelsea (2020)

Coote was heavily lambasted in this match for not awarding Chelsea a penalty after Harry Maguire pulled César Azpilcueta down in the box. The fans were outraged when VAR again failed to intervene.

 Liverpool vs Everton (2020 Merseyside Derby)

This match created havoc. Coote was the VAR official when Jordan Pickford came crashing into Virgil van Dijk and there was no foul given. Van Dijk's injury ended his season long term. Liverpool fans never forgave the decision.

 Arsenal vs Newcastle (2023)

In a emotional top-four match supporters pick Coote's officiating apart with numerous penalty appeals ignored. Debates were sparked again about officiating cnsistency.

Ex-Premier League referee, 43-year-old David Coote, charged with making an indecent video of a child (Category A).

Throw the book at him. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/CFhhUWuECH

— MatchDay Fever (@MatchDayFeverr) September 10, 2025

Refereeing In The VAR Era – Why It’s Tougher Than Ever

The VAR system came into to help referees, but ironically, this has meant referees such as Coote have come under even criticism. Fans continue to question: if VAR exists, how can these mistakes still happen?

For referees:

Every decision becomes slowed down and replayed.

There’s a massive magnifying glass on every error.

Media, pundits and fans get unlimited opportunities to analyse one single moment.

Coote and like many referees have been thrown in the deep end.

How Fans View David Coote

Manchester United fans: Frequently accuse him of partiality, especially in matches that include a rivalry.

Liverpool fans: Still salty about the Van Dijk incident in the Merseyside Derby.

Chelsea fans: Probably mad about Maguire incident and others.

Neutral Fans: Overall, many feel like he just isn't consistent.

The truth is that referees don't favour clubs but fans perceptions are all that matter, and Coote has become a figure of poor officiating to some fan bases.

Manager And Player Reactions

Coote has drawn the ire of several managers, like Jürgen Klopp, Frank Lampard, and Mikel Arteta, who have openly questioned refereeing decisions involving Coote. Several players, especially in the wake of defeats in crucial matches, have displayed visible disappointment as well.

Despite the controversies, however, PGMOL, the body responsible for referees has stood behind Coote suggesting he is trusted for top-flight matches.

Why The Premier League Keeps Appointing Him

If the fans are so critical, why does David Coote still officiate so many key matches?

Experience - He has officiated many Premier League and cup matches.

Trust from PGMOL - The governing body trust he is following the procedures.

A shortage of top Referees - England does not have a great amount of elite referees.

Resilience - Regardless of the criticism, Coote can continue to officiate without showing weakness.

The Bigger Picture – Referees and Media Scrutiny

The story of David Coote is not just one referee but the way modern football treats referees. Every week referees are on the stage and with millions of fans monitoring them worldwide, any minor error is broadcasted globally.

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