Premier League Official Taylor Avoids Family Presence at Matches Amid Abuse Concerns

Anthony Taylor, a Premier League official, has stated that his relatives no longer join him at major fixtures because of the ongoing verbal abuse directed at him.

During a BBC Sport interview, the UK referee described the most challenging incident he encountered, involving hostile Roma supporters after the 2023 Europa League final held in Budapest.

The Italian team were defeated by Sevilla in a penalty shootout following a highly contentious match where Taylor showed 13 yellow cards.

Former Roma manager Jose Mourinho publicly criticised Taylor during the post-match press briefing and later launched a profane tirade in a parking area, calling the referee's decisions a 'disgrace'.

UEFA, European football's regulatory authority, later suspended the Portuguese coach for four matches.

The next day, supporters of the Italian club confronted Taylor as he walked through an airport.

A chair and beverages were hurled towards him before security personnel moved him to a secure location.

The 46-year-old official confirmed that his family no longer accompanies him to significant fixtures.

This was undoubtedly the most severe instance of abuse I have experienced, he stated.

Not only was I accompanied by family that day, but it also underscores how individual actions affect those around them,

It prompts serious reconsideration about whether bringing family along was a mistake.

Taylor, who oversaw matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, noted that the adoption of VAR has significantly increased the pressure on match officials.

The intense scrutiny, detailed analysis, and constant discussion surrounding Premier League matches create an unrealistic demand for perfection, he explained.

Perfection is unattainable. Expecting referees to be correct in every call is unrealistic.

When questioned about whether he had contemplated leaving the profession, Taylor responded,

There have undoubtedly been occasions, and I am not alone in this, when I questioned whether the effort was worthwhile, he admitted.

Times when comments feel entirely unjust, he added.

Despite these difficulties, he emphasized his continued passion for the role.

Ultimately, it remains one of the most rewarding professions globally. Being at the heart of the action in the world's most thrilling league is unparalleled, he concluded.