Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has revealed that the constant barrage of abuse he receives has led to his family no longer attending high-profile matches.
In an interview with BBC Sport, the 46-year-old official described the most intense abuse he has faced, which occurred following the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest. Taylor officiated the ill-tempered final where AS Roma lost to Sevilla on penalties, issuing 13 yellow cards.
The Budapest Incident
Following the match, then-Roma manager Jose Mourinho criticized Taylor in his post-match press conference before confronting him in the stadium car park, where he directed a foul-mouthed rant at the official, labeling his performance a “disgrace.” Mourinho was later banned for four matches by UEFA for his conduct.
The abuse culminated the following day when Taylor and his family were targeted by angry Roma fans at Budapest Airport.
“That’s for sure the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” Taylor said. “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.”
A chair and drinks were thrown in his direction before he was ushered to a secure area. The experience has resulted in his family choosing to stay away from major games entirely.
Pressure for Perfection
Taylor, who officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, commented on the mounting pressure, especially since the introduction of VAR.
“The amount of scrutiny and the amount of analysis and chat around Premier League football means everybody has a quest for perfection,” he noted. “In reality, perfection doesn’t exist. We’re expecting referees to get every decision right.”
Despite facing moments where he considered quitting, Taylor affirmed his passion for the role: “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.”
Source: Super Sports
