Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has been removed from officiating duties this weekend following a torrent of online abuse after he issued a record 14 yellow cards in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Bournemouth. The abuse, which included threats against his family, has prompted an investigation by the league.
Taylor, 45, will serve as fourth official for two matches instead: Southampton vs Ipswich Town on Saturday and Brighton vs Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is providing support.
The 14 yellow cards set a Premier League record for a single match, contributing to a weekend total of 65 yellows and one red across all fixtures. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who was also booked, said: 'It is not a problem for me with this amount of yellow cards. It is what it is.' Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola declined to comment on the officiating.
This is not the first time Taylor has faced abuse; in 2023, Roma supporters attacked him at Budapest Airport after the Europa League final. He previously urged for more understanding, saying: 'Before you start trying to blame an individual, maybe try and consider... the things that go into what's been decided.'
