Wretched, haunted, and glassy-eyed, David Coote embodies the toll modern football takes on its referees. The reality of officiating in today's game has become a nightmare, so it's hardly surprising that a Premier League referee might find himself in a state of distress, venting frustrations from a sofa. So long, David Coote. You were the one who resembled a slightly hungover version of Ross from Friends. Let’s revisit some of your most memorable moments: failing to send off Jordan Pickford for what could only be described as an attempted amputation at Goodison Park, and neglecting to show a red card to Fabinho for his reckless challenge on Evan Ferguson at the Amex. And who could forget the moment you allowed yourself to be filmed slumped on a sofa, candidly expressing your grievances? This act completed the remarkable transformation of the English football referee—from the stoic, no-nonsense figures of the past to the current breed of beleaguered officials who seem more like reality TV stars than authoritative figures on the pitch.