Liverpool fans have reacted angrily to the appointment of Anthony Taylor as match referee for next Monday’s highly-charged clash against Manchester United. Taylor lives just 6km from Old Trafford but the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have not broken any rules by letting him take charge of what is always a fiery fixture.
 

It’s not the first time this has happened however; back in 2014, then Liverpool boss Brendan Rogers was unhappy that a referee (who actually lived in Bolton) was put in charge of his team’s game against Manchester City. Last season, Kevin Friend, who despite being a lifelong Bristol City fan, had lived close to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium and was subsequently removed from taking charge of Spurs’ clash with Stoke City as he had been spotted several times at Leicester City home games. At that time, the North London club were the closest challengers to Claudio Ranieri’s men who eventually went on to lift the title.  

At the beginning of every season, referees have to complete a questionnaire highlighting their city of birth and the team that they support. But who can be 100% they are telling the truth? Can you imagine the reaction in Italy if an official who was born in Turin took charge of Juventus v Napoli!!


By Alessandro Di Gioia. Adapted & translated by Steve Mitchell