Anthony Taylor awarded a fourth Premier League penalty of the season, allowing Manchester City to open the scoring against Chelsea.
Anthony Taylor Penalty Stats
- Premier League Games Officiated 2023/24: 10
- Championship Games Officiated 2023/24: One
- Penalties Awarded: Five
Anthony Taylor, who returns to Premier League officiating duties after being demoted to the Championship last week, is once again being questioned over a penalty decision.
His demotion from the top-flight was a direct result of his performance during Wolves’ clash with Newcastle on matchday 10. Taylor awarded a contentious penalty after Hwang Her-Chan was deemed to have brought down Fabian Schar while attempting to clear the ball.
A furious Gary O’Neil labelled the decision as “scandalous” in a scathing post-match interview.
Taylor was later deemed to have made another glaring mistake whilst on officiating duty in the Championship last week. Tasked with overseeing Preston North End against Coventry, he adjudged Kyle McFadzean to have brought down Milutin Osmajic inside the box, despite there appearing to be next-to-no contact.
Anthony Taylor Awards Manchester City Controversial Penalty Against Chelsea
His latest controversy on a hasty return to the top-flight saw him award a fifth penalty of the season.
Marc Cucurella was deemed to have held back Erling Haaland, despite the latter appearing to grab hold of the Spaniard’s shirt just moments before.
The VAR officials at Stockley Park studied the sequence with for over two minutes, but decided to stick with Taylor’s original on=field decision.
Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher was quick to give his opinion after watching back the replays, claiming it was “very harsh” on Cucurella who appeared to be fouled himself in the process.
Erling Haaland duly obliged not long after from the spot to sweep home the opener, and give league leaders City an early advantage.
Social media has of course chimed in with its take on the penalty, with outraged fans calling for Taylor’s head for a third consecutive game in charge.
Yes, that should not have been a penalty to Manchester City. Cucurella was fouled in the process by Haaland which led to the incident and there was a head injury that should have stopped the entire play in the first place.
Anthony Taylor is not fit to officiate a game like this. pic.twitter.com/s1CICrF9vp
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) November 12, 2023
Another one to add to Anthony Taylor’s collection, can’t say I’m surprised. pic.twitter.com/bPYBoMvV3f
— Mod (@CFCMod_) November 12, 2023
Anthony Taylor explaining why he gave a penalty: pic.twitter.com/UUrHADy6gD
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) November 12, 2023
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