David Coote, controversy and the need for individual responsibility.
It is widely accepted that societal changes have lessened the preparedness of many individuals to take responsibility for their actions. But, ultimately, we are all responsible for our decision-making, and David Coote’s alleged behaviour not only damaged himself but undermined the integrity of refereeing in this country. Yesterday’s termination of his PGMOL contract was inevitable.
There will be support for Coote from some colleagues during this self-inflicted dark period for him. There will be support from his erstwhile employers, the PGMOL, tending to his emotional well-being, and the refereeing body has handled the crisis fairly and decisively. There may even be support for Coote, 42, to continue refereeing, or coaching referees, in a less demanding part of the footballing world. Coote cannot be completely cast into the wilderness.
All of that is right and humane as Coote appears a troubled individual and probably not knowing who he can trust after videos and messages were leaked about him. But this whole sad episode has to be a warning to officials to be wary of those around them and know that the integrity of the game is paramount. Coote deserves to be made an example of. An individual’s mental health absolutely deserves to be protected but so does the health of the national game. Coote had to be sacked.
Some of Coote’s former officiating colleagues were surprised by the stories – “he’s mild” and “the last person you’d expect” were two of the observations about Coote given to me by refs – but they must all be seething over the impact of his alleged behaviour. Before the start of every season, all officials sign the PGMOL’s Integrity Code of Conduct.
Scrutiny on refereeing has never been more intense. Social media gives everyone a free platform to unleash all manner of opinions (often bad-mannered). VAR, and particularly the inconsistency of its implementation, has made the debate more toxic. All officials are in the cross-hairs like never before. Integrity was being (unfairly) questioned even before the Coote revelations. It’s vital that English football is seen to be clean.