David Coote filmed delivering parcels for Evri as ex-Premier League referee 'tries to make an honest living' after 'cocaine video' and Jurgen Klopp insults

The 42-year-old was caught on camera insulting ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, before another video emerged of him taking cocaine at the 2024 European Championship. He was subsequently fired by referee governing body PGMOL and suspended by UEFA.

The Sun now reports on how Coote has linked up with delivery firm Evri near his home town of Newark in Nottinghamshire. He is looking to keep himself busy while clinging to the hope of one day returning to football.

Coote has said: “I’m just trying to make an honest living. 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.”

One Newark native said of seeing Coote ring their doorbell: “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.”

Friends have offered their support to Coote, with one saying: “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.”

Coote’s suspension is due to run until June 2026, at which point all concerned will need to make a decision on whether he can be absorbed back into the professional refereeing ranks.