Boluwatife Kehinde
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has revealed that his family no longer attends major football matches due to the constant abuse he receives in his high-profile role.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Taylor recalled the most distressing incident of his career: being harassed by angry AS Roma fans after officiating the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest. Roma lost the match to Sevilla on penalties following a heated game in which Taylor handed out 13 yellow cards.
Then-Roma manager José Mourinho openly criticised Taylor during his post-match press conference and later confronted him in a car park, launching a foul-mouthed tirade and calling his performance a “disgrace.” UEFA responded by handing Mourinho a four-match ban.
The situation escalated the following day when Taylor, accompanied by his family, was targeted by Roma supporters at the airport. Fans hurled a chair and drinks at him before security intervened and led him to a safe area.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Taylor, 46, said, “That’s for sure the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse. Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people’s behaviour on others. It makes you reflect back on whether you made a mistake travelling with your family in the first place.”
The referee, who also officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, noted that the introduction of VAR and the heightened scrutiny in modern football have significantly increased the pressure on referees.
“The amount of analysis and chat around Premier League football means everybody has a quest for perfection,” he said. “In reality, perfection doesn’t exist. We’re expecting referees to get every decision right.”
When asked if he had considered quitting, Taylor admitted, “There have certainly been moments where you’re thinking, ‘Is it worth it?’ and ‘What’s being said is completely unfair.”
Despite these challenges, Taylor remains passionate about refereeing. “When it comes down to it, it’s one of the best jobs in the world. You’re right in the centre of the action in the most exciting league in the world,” he said.
