Anthony Taylor confronted by angry Roma fans at airport while with ...

2 Jun 2023

Referee Anthony Taylor and his family were confronted by angry Roma fans as he looked to board a flight from Budapest.

Anthony Taylor - Figure 1
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The Englishman attracted negative attention for his performance in the Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma on Wednesday night.

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Taylor's refereeing performance has divided opinionCredit: Getty

It was the Spanish side who came out on top on penalties, much to the annoyance of the Italian giants who were unhappy with Taylor's performance having given out 14 yellow cards in total.

Anthony Taylor - Figure 2
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Clearly still angry at the outcome of the match, Roma fans gathered at the airport in Budapest to see him off, however, it was anything but a fond farewell.

Supporters shouted abuse at the 44-year-old as he and family members were was quickly ushered through a door by police into a more secure area.

In a statement, refereeing organisation the PGMOL said: “PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.

Anthony Taylor - Figure 3
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"We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final.

"We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family."

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Roma fans were furious with TaylorCredit: https://twitter.com/momo50SSL/status/1664333852376965137

Anthony Taylor - Figure 4
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Taylor needed police to help him and his family onto their flightCredit: https://twitter.com/momo50SSL/status/1664333852376965137

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They eventually made it throughCredit: https://twitter.com/momo50SSL/status/1664333852376965137

Anthony Taylor, the referee of the Europa League final, was attacked by Roma supporters at Budapest airport. ????

Anthony Taylor - Figure 5
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Shocking. ????

pic.twitter.com/u5dmlxZs0h

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 1, 2023

Meanwhile, Ref Support UK said: "This is so so worrying to see and we hope Anthony and his family are ok.

"This is why we believe organisations like the @LMA_Managers and the @PFA as well as the @WeAreTheFSA need to come out and condemn such behaviour in this country.

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Anthony Taylor - Figure 6
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"Managers comments and players behaviour encourage this and it is on a worrying rise where a serious incident or murder is just around the corner."

It wasn't just the Roma fans who were unhappy though, with Jose Mourinho also tearing into him post-match.

The Portuguese boss waited for Taylor by the Roma team bus at the Puskas Arena and launched into an x-rated rant.

"F****** disgrace man, it's a f****** disgrace," Mourinho fumed, before switching to swear at the official in Italian. "F*** off," he continued. 

Anthony Taylor - Figure 7
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Mourinho then approached the official's bus and added: "Congratulations, you f****** disgrace."

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The Portuguese boss waited for Taylor in the carpark before approaching himCredit: Twitter @tvdellosport

Explaining his frustration in his post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "Next year we won't be playing the Champions League and that's a good thing because we're not made for it.

Anthony Taylor - Figure 8
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"And let's hope that Taylor only officiates games in the Champions League and does the same bull**** there that he did tonight, and not in the Europa League."

He continued: "It was an intense, vibrant game with a referee who seemed Spanish.

"It was yellow, yellow, yellow all the time.

"The injustice is shown by the fact Lamela should've had a second yellow, he didn't, and he converted a penalty in the shootout."

Anthony Taylor - Figure 9
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