David Coote reveals vile abuse he received after Jurgen Klopp scandal and sends message to Michael Oliver
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David Coote has opened up on the vile abuse he received after he was filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a 'c**t'.
The referee was recently axed by the Premier League having been caught on camera making a series of derogatory comments about the former Liverpool manager.
Coote, who has since come out as gay, was also captured appearing to take cocaine.
And the 42-year-old, speaking to The Sun, has now opened up on the vile abuse he received after the Klopp scandal - revealing fans bombarded him with vile messages, including about his mum.
David Coote has opened up on the vile abuse he received after he was filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a 'c**t'
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“I’ve received death threats during my career," he said.
“I’ve needed an accelerated response tag on my home address for me to speak to the police in an emergency.
“I’ve also had messages from irate supporters hoping that I had an accident on the way home from a game.
“They didn’t just want me to die but to be paralysed, so I’d suffer every day for the rest of my life.
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"Other messages included hoping that my mum dies of AIDS overnight.
“People target referees without accountability on social media, and at matches.
“I can’t see how that is acceptable.
“There is standard abuse on a regular basis, but some crosses any line of acceptability.
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“I’m sorry people are talking about me for the wrong reasons.
“I’m not here looking for sympathy.
“I just want to say that I am a human being that’s made mistakes.
“I’m paying the consequences. I’m taking responsibility for making those mistakes.
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David Coote left his role as a Premier League referee after being filmed insulting former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
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“I hope that others in my situation seek help in the right ways as I’m now trying to do.”
Over the weekend, current Premier League referee Michael Oliver also received abuse after sending off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Wolves.
Police are investigating the matter and keeping an eye on the referee's house and family.
And Coyte has now sent a message to Oliver while calling for football fans to change their behaviour.
David Coote feels sorry for Premier League referee Michael Oliver after he received abuse following Arsenal's 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday
“This isn’t the first time this season we’ve heard of such abuse. Sadly, it won’t be the last," he continued.
“I know only too well the toll these appalling and frightening threats can have, but you have no option other than to take it.
“Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action.
“It has to change.”
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