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

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.

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.

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.

I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref,” he said. “And to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”

Referee David Coote felt 'ashamed' and experienced 'really dark days' after video leaked - The official said earlier this week that struggles with his sexuality contributed to the ‘really poor choices

David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has apologized after being sacked due to a video showing him allegedly abusing Liverpool. Struggling with pressures of his role and his sexuality, Coote turned to drugs.

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

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