Similar to his match against Liverpool, Anthony Taylor’s most recent Champions League gaffe exposes the FA.
During the Champions League match, Real Sociedad’s impressive football performance versus Benfica was overshadowed by the Portuguese fans who hurled flares into the vicinity of the Spanish fans’ seats. Anthony Taylor, the central referee, halted play in the second half to warn the on-field delegate and request that they cease hurling the objects. Players from Benfica like Nicolás Otamendi also made an effort to quiet the crowd.
Real Sociedad decried the actions of the Portuguese on social media, posting, “Shame on Benfica fans,” when they lighted more flares but refrained from tossing them. Fans of the two clubs got into fights outside the Reale Arena before the game, and three of them were taken into custody for public disturbance. Real Sociedad virtually guaranteed their spot in the round of 16 with their 3-1 victory over Benfica.
The English referee, who was demoted from the Premier League to the English second division for a day after fabricating a penalty, is frequently the focus of contentious calls made on the pitch, particularly when it comes to Liverpool. Earlier this season, he had another appalling performance against Brighton, failing to call a penalty on Salah and hurting the Reds.
Anthony Taylor’s error
The FA has rewarded Taylor by assigning him to officiate Friday’s Chelsea vs. Manchester City match, but he still proves he is unfit to officiate major matches. During this Champions League match between the Spanish and Portuguese, Taylor received criticism for not ending the game immediately in the face of obvious danger in the stands and was asked to call for calmness from the fans over the local sound system.
