According to Daily Post, Referee Anthony Taylor has not been assigned to any Premier League fixtures this weekend following his controversial officiating of the Bournemouth vs. Chelsea match last Saturday.
During the match, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium with a late goal from Christopher Nkunku. Taylor was notably criticized for issuing a record 14 yellow cards, along with two additional cards to the coaching staff, which drew significant attention and controversy. This high number of cautions is the most issued in a Premier League game this season.
Post-match, Taylor became the target of severe online abuse, including death threats directed at him and his family. The situation escalated to the point where some users on social media made threats against Taylor's life. The nature of the abuse prompted an outcry from within the football community.
In response to the situation, the Premier League has announced that it will launch an investigation into the abuse Taylor has faced. This follows a broader concern about the safety and well-being of match officials. Taylor is receiving support from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which provides welfare assistance to referees.
Taylor’s decision-making during the game, including the high number of bookings, has been subject to scrutiny and debate among fans, analysts, and officials. Some have defended Taylor, suggesting that the disciplinary actions were warranted given the match's intensity, while others argue that the high card count reflects inconsistent refereeing.
The Premier League and PGMOL are committed to addressing the incident and ensuring that referees are protected from such abuse. The investigation aims to assess the situation comprehensively and prevent future occurrences of similar harassment.
The Premier League's response highlights ongoing efforts to safeguard referees and maintain the integrity of the officiating process amid increasing scrutiny and pressure. Taylor's absence from fixtures this weekend is a precautionary measure while the investigation is underway.
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