Premier League referee David Coote has found himself on the wrong side of the law after pleading guilty to a speeding offence in a Nottinghamshire court.
The high-profile official, known for his decisions on some of football's biggest stages, was caught driving his powerful Audi Q7 at 50mph in a 40mph zone along the A6097 in Oxton, Nottinghamshire.
Coote, who resides in the nearby area, admitted the offence at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The incident occurred on October 26 last year, when his luxury vehicle was detected exceeding the speed limit.
Financial Penalty and Driving Record
The 41-year-old match official was ordered to pay a total of £816, comprising a £660 fine, £66 victim surcharge, and £90 court costs. In addition to the financial penalty, Coote received three penalty points on his previously clean driving licence.
This development comes amid Coote's continued involvement in high-stakes Premier League matches, having officiated in England's top football division since 2018.
A Career Under Scrutiny
While this incident represents a personal misdemeanour, Coote's professional decisions have frequently placed him in the spotlight. The referee has been at the centre of several controversial VAR decisions and match outcomes throughout his career.
The court's ruling serves as a reminder that even those who enforce rules for a living must abide by regulations off the pitch as well as on it.
