Anthony Taylor, born on October 20, 1978 in Wythenshawe, Manchester, is an English football referee who has excelled in the Premier League since his debut in 2010. Before pursuing professional refereeing, he worked as a prison officer, an experience that has influenced his ability to handle high-pressure situations on the field.
Taylor began his refereeing career in the Northern Premier League in 2002, moving up to the Conference North in 2004. In 2006, he was promoted to the Football League's list of referees, making his debut in a match between Wrexham and Peterborough United. His first Premier League match was in February 2010, where Fulham defeated Portsmouth 1-0. In 2013, he became a FIFA international referee, allowing him to officiate high-level European and international matches.
He has refereed significant matches, including the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020, both between Chelsea and Arsenal, with Arsenal triumphing 2-1 on both occasions. Additionally, he officiated the 2020 UEFA Super Cup between Bayern Munich and Sevilla, where Bayern emerged victorious 2-1.
During Euro 2020, in a match between Denmark and Finland, Taylor was the referee who quickly halted play when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field. His swift action in requesting immediate medical assistance was crucial and widely praised, demonstrating his ability to effectively handle critical situations.
Despite his reputation, Taylor has been involved in some controversies. In September 2024, he faced criticism after showing 14 yellow cards in a match between Bournemouth and Chelsea, sparking debate over a potential new guideline in sanction enforcement.
In May 2023, UEFA appointed him to referee the final of the UEFA Europa League, reflecting confidence in his ability to officiate high-profile matches.
England
