Premier League Referee Anthony Taylor Reveals Family Steers Clear of Matches Due to Abuse
Premier League Referee Anthony Taylor Reflects on Family Impact Post-Abuse
Referee Safety Concerns Prompt Family Absence from Matches
Renowned Premier League referee, Anthony Taylor, recently disclosed that following the 2023 Europa League final, his family has refrained from attending any of his matches due to safety concerns. This decision stems from the abusive experience they faced after the final where AS Roma lost to Sevilla on penalties in Budapest.
Intense Abuse at the Airport: A Turning Point
After the match concluded in a 1-1 draw, Taylor and his family encountered a hostile group of AS Roma fans at the airport, leading to a tense situation where they had to be escorted by security. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) condemned the incident, describing it as “appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse” targeted at the referee and his family.
Anthony Taylor’s Personal Reflection on the Incident
In an interview with BBC Sport, Taylor described the experience as the “worst situation” of abuse he has encountered in his career. He expressed his disappointment, noting that even in high-profile matches without major officiating errors, blame and criticism often arise. Taylor lamented, “We’re trying to shift focus on to, for somebody to blame, and for me, that’s a great source of disappointment, frustration, anger.”
Impact of Managerial Criticism on Fan Behavior
Taylor highlighted how post-match criticism from managers, such as former Roma manager Jose Mourinho, can influence supporter behavior. He pointed out the pervasive “win-at-all-cost” culture that contributes to such situations. On World Mental Health Day, Taylor emphasized the mental toll that criticism can exert on referees and officials.
Addressing Abuse in Football: A Call for Change
Taylor raised concerns about verbal abuse directed at referees, both young and experienced, at various levels of the sport. He asserted, “If we truly want to make it a better environment for everybody… the levels of abuse and criticism really need to be challenged to make sure that it’s an enjoyable game for absolutely everybody.”
Current Season Performance and Mental Health Advocacy
Despite the challenges, Taylor has officiated in nine matches this season, seven of which are in the Premier League, including a recent match between Chelsea and Liverpool. His experience underscores the broader issue of mental health in the sports domain. Taylor’s commitment highlights the importance of addressing abuse and creating a supportive environment for officials at all levels of the game.
