Despite the Controversy, Anthony Taylor Set to Referee Chelsea vs Manchester City This Weekend
Key Highlights :
Anthony Taylor is set to return to the Premier League this weekend, despite being demoted to the Championship just a week prior. The 45-year-old referee has been at the centre of some controversial decisions over the past few weeks, most notably during Newcastle United and Wolves' 2-2 draw, when he awarded a penalty to the Magpies after adjudging striker Hwang Hee-chan to have brought down Fabian Schar in the box.
The decision was reviewed by VAR, but Taylor's initial decision stood, and the penalty was converted by Callum Wilson. This led to Taylor being demoted to the Championship for the following weekend, where he officiated Preston North End and Coventry City's clash. On 41 minutes, Taylor awarded a penalty to Preston after Coventry's Kyle McFadzean brought down Milutin Osmajic in the box - only for replays to show there was minimal contact. Alan Browne dispatched the spot kick as Preston went on to win 3-2.
Despite overseeing two contentious penalty decisions in back to back weeks, Taylor has been brought back up to cover a game this weekend, with the referee set to officiate Manchester City's Sunday afternoon trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. This has caused some controversy, as it is unclear why Taylor was chosen to officiate such a high-profile game despite his recent blunders.
Refereeing decisions across the UK have become the centre of attention following a string of questionable decisions and backlash from managers, like Wolves' Gary O'Neil. Wolves have been hurt by poor decision making from officials on multiple occasions this season, most notably in their very first game of the Premier League season this term, when they were not awarded a late penalty when keeper Andre Onana clattered striker Sasa Kalajdzic, and again last weekend, when Fabio Silva was adjudged to have fouled Sheffield United's George Baldock in the box in stoppage time.
Despite the controversy, Taylor will be taking charge of the game between Chelsea and Manchester City this weekend. It is expected that the refereeing decisions will be closely monitored, and Taylor will be looking to prove himself after his recent blunders. Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to C £22 a month, so you can keep up with all the action as it happens.
