Referee Anthony Taylor has been removed from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures following a barrage of online abuse and death threats after last Saturday’s Bournemouth vs Chelsea clash.
Taylor’s performance in the match, which saw Chelsea win 1-0 courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s late goal, was marred by controversy. He issued a record 14 yellow cards to players and two to the coaching staff, sparking heated debate among fans.
However, the backlash took a disturbing turn as Taylor became the target of vile online trolls, with some individuals issuing death threats against him and his family. The Premier League has condemned the abuse and launched an investigation.
_Premier League’s Response_
The Premier League, in conjunction with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has offered support to Taylor and vowed to take action against those responsible for the abuse.
“The Premier League takes all forms of abuse seriously and will work with the relevant authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible,” a statement read.
Taylor’s removal from this weekend’s fixtures is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure his safety and well-being.
_Incidents of Abuse_
The incident highlights the growing concern of referee abuse in football. Last season, several Premier League referees faced similar online harassment.
The Premier League and PGMOL have reiterated their commitment to protecting match officials and promoting a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
An investigation into the abuse is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and prosecute those responsible.
