I’ve had deaths threats after games with thugs hoping my mum dies of AIDS & I end up paralysed, says ex-ref David Coote
I’ve had deaths threats after games with thugs hoping my mum dies of AIDS & I end up paralysed, says ex-ref David Coote
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DAVID Coote last night revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officials — including death threats and warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleep. Sacked Coote called for TV pundits to stop “whipping up” fans into a frenzy against referees amid “hysterical” analysis, claiming messages he has received from crazed supporters added to his spiral into cocaine abuse.
![[Referee David Coote standing outdoors.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/referee-david-coote-speaks-stephen-967020979_31a2b2.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
Weeping, the 42-year-old, who described some messages as “abhorrent”, told The Sun: “I’ve received death threats during my career. “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.
![[Referee David Coote writing on a yellow card.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31-03-2024-referee-david-956032650.jpg?strip=all&w=755)
“They didn’t just want me to die but to be paralysed, so I’d suffer every day for the rest of my life. “Other messages included hoping that my mum dies of AIDS overnight. “People target referees without accountability on social media, and at matches.
![[Referee Michael Oliver surrounded by Arsenal players.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/file-photo-dated-25-01-967047705.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“I can’t see how that is acceptable. “There is standard abuse on a regular basis, but some crosses any line of acceptability. “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.
![[Amal Fashanu, daughter of John Fashanu, in a portrait.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ex-footbaler-john-fashanu-s-788451748.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
