The organization overseeing Premier League referees has made a significant decision regarding Anthony Taylor following widespread criticism of his performance during Chelsea’s tumultuous victory over Bournemouth.
Taylor, 45, shocked fans and commentators by issuing a Premier League record of 14 yellow cards during Saturday’s match at the Vitality Stadium, where Chelsea secured a 1-0 win.
This surpassed the previous record of 12 yellow cards, set during two earlier games: Wolves vs. Newcastle in 2010 and Chelsea’s notorious “Battle of the Bridge” match against Tottenham in 2016.
In the weekend’s heated encounter, Taylor booked eight Chelsea players, including debutant Jadon Sancho, and six Bournemouth players.
Additionally, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca and Bournemouth fitness coach Pablo de la Torre received yellow cards in the tense clash on the south coast.
As a result of their players’ conduct during the match, both clubs were fined £25,000 by the FA.
After the game, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith criticized Taylor’s officiating, describing it as “mental.”
“I can’t deal with it any more. Every foul was a yellow. It’s mental,” said Smith.
“He booked me for just going up to talk to him about the penalty and the sending-off decision.
“I’m the captain and I’m allowed to do that but he said I had come from a far distance and that’s why he booked me. But I don’t understand.”
Since the game, Taylor has faced abuse on social media. The Premier League has launched an investigation into the matter, while the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organization in charge of top-flight referees, has stepped in to support him.
PGMOL has also decided not to assign him as a referee for the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures.
Instead, Taylor will serve as the fourth official for the Southampton vs. Ipswich match on Saturday.
The following day, he will take on the same role for the Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest game.
