“Dismayed by these repugnant insults”: the referees in support of their colleague targeted by Mourinho

2023-06-02 16:42:33

The Association of Professional English Football Referees (PGMOL) denounced this Friday “the unjustified and repugnant insults” suffered by Anthony Taylor, the referee of the Europa League final, attacked at Budapest airport on Thursday , by the supporters of the unfortunate finalist, Roma.

In videos circulating on social media, the England referee and his family could be seen waiting to catch the plane home, the day after Sevilla won on penalties against Roma, surrounded by supporters and evacuated under the protection of security guards. A bottle and a chair had even been thrown in the direction of the small group.

“We are appalled by the unjustified and repugnant insults addressed to Anthony and his family as he attempted to return home after officiating in the Europa League final, writes the PGMOL. We will continue to give our full support to Anthony and his family. »

Ferenc-Liszt Airport in Budapest also issued a statement stating that an Italian supporter “has been arrested by the police and legal proceedings have been initiated against him for this brawl”.

“A fucking shame”, according to Mourinho

The match itself had been studded with faults, clashes and punctuated by 14 yellow cards, including one for the coach of the Italian club, José Mourinho. Taylor had several important decisions to make, including the decision, after watching the VAR footage, to cancel a penalty he had given for Sevilla, then not to award one to Roma for a handball by an opponent .

But the most controversial, from the Italian point of view, was having Gonzalo Montiel’s decisive shot on goal withdrawn, initially saved by Rui Patricio, before the referee considered that he was not on his line. at the time of the strike. In his second attempt, the Argentinian had given the victory to the Andalusians.

Immediately after the final, Roma coach José Mourinho was filmed in the stadium car park waiting for the referee to leave before insulting him in English and Italian, including calling him ” damn shame”. UEFA said it was waiting for Anthony Taylor’s detailed report before deciding on possible sanctions against the Portuguese coach.