Premier League referee, Anthony Taylor, has been pulled from officiating duty this weekend following a barrage of social media abuse. The backlash came in the wake of Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, a match that saw Taylor issue an unprecedented 14 yellow cards. The Premier League is currently investigating the abuse directed at the official.
Taylor's decision to issue a record-breaking 14 yellow cards during Saturday’s game has sparked controversy among fans and players alike. Eight of these were handed out to Chelsea players alone. This controversial move has led to both Chelsea and Bournemouth facing potential Football Association fines of £25,000 for accumulating more than six yellow cards in one match.
In response to the incident, referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced on Tuesday that Taylor would serve as the fourth official on two occasions this weekend. He is set to officiate when Southampton host Ipswich on Saturday and again on Brighton vs Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Coaches weigh in on the issue
The fallout from Saturday’s game continues with both team coaches expressing their views about the incident. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach spoke with Sky Sports after the game but did not provide any specific comments regarding Taylor's decisions or performance.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head coach, said:
“I complained about a foul on Wesley Fofana, which, for me, was quite clear. But it can happen, eight yellow cards, probably because these sort of games are about duels and fight. Sometimes the game demands the way you have to behave.”
On the other hand, Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth coach expressed his dissatisfaction with how events unfolded during what he described as not being an "aggressive or violent match". Iraola seemed more aggrieved by what he perceived as questionable officiating rather than player conduct during the game.
The Premier League takes allegations of abuse towards its officials seriously and will continue its investigation into this matter while ensuring fair play remains at heart of every match it oversees. This incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny referees face and the potential consequences of their decisions. It also highlights the need for respectful dialogue and constructive criticism in sports, particularly on social media platforms where comments can quickly escalate into abuse.
