Premier League pundits are demanding that referee Anthony Taylor be permanently barred from officiating matches involving Manchester United and Chelsea following a night of high drama at Stamford Bridge.
The controversial official found himself at the centre of a storm after awarding two highly disputed penalties during Chelsea's breathtaking 4-3 victory over Manchester United on Thursday night. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean led the criticism, stating that Taylor's performance had crossed a line that cannot be ignored.
'Enough is Enough' - Pundits React
Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean didn't mince his words: "For the good of the game, Anthony Taylor should not referee either of these two clubs again this season. The controversy has become too predictable."
The flashpoint occurred when Taylor pointed to the spot after United's defender was adjudged to have fouled Chelsea's Noni Madueke. The decision left United players and staff furious, coming just minutes after a similar contentious call had gone against the Red Devils.
A Pattern of Controversy
This isn't the first time Taylor's involvement in matches between these two giants has sparked outrage. The official has developed a reputation for making headline-grabbing decisions in this particular fixture, leading to accusations of inconsistency from managers, players, and fans alike.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing appointments, now faces mounting pressure to act. With Howard Webb at the helm, the organisation is under scrutiny to ensure that high-profile matches are decided by players, not questionable refereeing calls.
What Happens Next?
The fallout from this incident is likely to reignite the debate about VAR's effectiveness and the standard of Premier League officiating. As both clubs prepare for their final fixtures of the season, all eyes will be on PGMOL to see whether they heed the calls for change or maintain the status quo.
