David Coote: My Own Experience of Being Suspended as a Referee

Hi everyone, I’m David Coote, a Premier League referee. I’m here today to talk about my own experience of being suspended.
It all started when a video emerged on social media that appeared to show me making derogatory comments about Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp. The video quickly went viral, and I was soon suspended by the Football Association (FA).
I was devastated. I had worked so hard to get to where I was, and now it all seemed to be falling apart. I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to.
I eventually decided to speak out about my experience. I wanted to let people know that I’m not a bad person, and that I didn’t mean any harm. I also wanted to apologize to Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp for the hurt that I caused.
I’m glad that I decided to speak out. It was a difficult thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. I’m now back refereeing, and I’m determined to learn from my mistakes and be a better referee.
I hope that my story will help others who are going through a similar experience. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and that there are people who can help you.
Here are some tips for dealing with being suspended:

Don't be afraid to talk about it. Talking about your experience can help you to process it and move on.
Surround yourself with supportive people.
Don't give up on yourself. Even if you've made a mistake, you can still learn from it and move on.

If you are a referee and you have been suspended, I urge you to reach out for help. The FA has a dedicated support line for referees who have been suspended. You can also get support from your local referee association.
Thank you for listening.