Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has backed Anthony Taylor's appointment to officiate Sunday's title showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal, insisting the decision should not be seen as controversial. Taylor, a 47-year-old from the Greater Manchester area, has often faced scrutiny when taking charge of matches involving either Manchester club.
Scott, who retired from refereeing at the end of the 2024/25 season, cited Taylor's genuine support for non-league side Altrincham as proof of his neutrality. "Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds," Scott told The Athletic. "But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United."
Altrincham president Grahame Rowley also confirmed Taylor's long-standing affiliation with the club. "Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan," Rowley previously told The Athletic. "Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can't go to all the matches. People around here always ask if you're a Red or a Blue. He's actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised."
Taylor has already overseen matches involving both Manchester City and Manchester United this season. The experienced official has taken charge of 426 career matches and is one of two Premier League referees selected by FIFA for the upcoming World Cup, alongside Michael Oliver.
Sunday's fixture at the Etihad Stadium comes after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, while City thrashed Chelsea 3-0 to cut the gap at the top of the table to six points. Scott added that Taylor's appointment was expected given the magnitude of the match, and praised his recent performances, including last month's Newcastle United vs Sunderland derby and Liverpool's fixture against Fulham at the weekend.
