Referee Anthony Taylor made history by issuing a record 14 yellow cards in the Chelsea vs. Bournemouth match. Image credit: OneFootball
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has been removed from refereeing duties this weekend following his unprecedented display of 14 yellow cards in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
He booked 8 Chelsea and 6 Bournemouth players. He also brandished two more to Chelsea’s coaching staff including Enzo Maresca.
Taylor’s decision-making during the match at the Vitality Stadium sparked controversy, with many questioning the necessity of such a high number of bookings.
The record-breaking display surpassed the previous Premier League record of 12 yellow cards.
As a result, the Premier League has demoted Taylor to fourth official duties for the next weekend. He will oversee the matches between Southampton and Ipswich Town on September 21 and Brighton and Nottingham Forest that will be played this weekend.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola declined to comment on Taylor’s performance, opting instead to focus on his team’s efforts.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the high number of yellow cards but refused to criticize Taylor.
Taylor’s reputation has faced scrutiny in the past, particularly following his handling of the 2022 Europa League final in Budapest.
The English referee’s track record has raised concerns about his ability to manage high-pressure matches effectively. The Premier League’s decision to demote Taylor serves as a clear indication of their dissatisfaction with his performance.
The incident has also sparked discussions about refereeing standards and match control in the Premier League, with many calling for greater consistency and accuracy in officiating.