Can Athletes and Officials Be Held Accountable for Their Private Lives in the UK?
By Fraser Vandal | October 17, 2025
In today’s hyper-connected world, the line between public and private life is blurrier than ever—especially for those in the spotlight. But should what happens off the field or court really cost athletes and officials their careers?
We’re living in an era where every move of public figures—whether they’re business leaders, politicians, or sports stars—is under constant surveillance. Thanks to social media, personal missteps often become front-page news. A recent and striking example is the case of former PGMOL referee David Coote. A viral video showed Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool FC and their then-manager, Jurgen Klopp. Shortly after, another video surfaced, allegedly depicting Coote with a suspicious substance while officiating at Euro 2024 in Germany. These incidents led to his dismissal by PGMOL and a ban from UEFA competitions until June 2026. The English Football Association (FA) further imposed an 8-week suspension from all football-related activities and mandated his attendance in an educational program. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Coote has since pleaded guilty to charges of making an indecent image of a child.
What’s most intriguing is that none of these issues were directly tied to Coote’s on-field performance. Instead, they occurred during his personal time, raising critical questions about the boundaries of accountability for public figures.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Should employers—or governing bodies—have the power to discipline individuals for actions taken outside of work? And if so, where do we draw the line?
This article delves into the legal and ethical complexities surrounding out-of-work conduct, focusing on the UK’s employment law framework. We’ll explore how these laws apply to athletes and officials, examining key areas such as:
- The UK Employment Law Framework: What are the rules, and how do they protect both employers and employees?
- Social Media and Reputational Damage: How do online actions impact careers, and what constitutes a fireable offense?
- Protected Beliefs vs. Discrimination: When does personal expression cross the line into unacceptable behavior?
- Vicarious Liability: Can employers be held responsible for their employees’ off-duty actions?
- Sport-Specific Considerations: How does the unique nature of sports influence these decisions?
And this is the part most people miss: While high-profile cases like Coote’s grab headlines, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll also discuss why sport-related employment litigation remains relatively rare in the UK and what clubs and individuals can do to protect themselves.
From crafting robust policies to managing public image, we’ll provide actionable insights for navigating this complex landscape. Plus, we’ll explore whether the current legal framework is likely to evolve in the face of increasing scrutiny.
But here’s the real question: As society becomes more interconnected, should we expect athletes and officials to be role models 24/7? Or should their private lives remain off-limits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—this is a debate that’s far from over.
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Tags: Dismissal, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Football, United Kingdom (UK)
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