Anthony Taylor embroiled in further controversy after red card in match he WASN’T refereeing
ANTHONY TAYLOR is caught in a new refereeing rumpus involving Nottingham Forest after a heated draw at Brighton that saw THREE red cards.
The official had been taken off Prem duty this weekend due to online abuse after issuing a record 14 yellow cards in Chelsea’s win at Bournemouth.
And he was already in Forest’s bad books after rejecting THREE penalty claims during a defeat at Everton in April.
But as fourth official at the Amex, Taylor oversaw a moment in the 83rd minute that saw Morgan Gibbs-White and managers Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo all sent off.
It started after Gibbs-White — already on a yellow — caught Joao Pedro with a late challenge.
Ref Robert Jones initially said he got the ball — but then gave the Forest star his marching orders following apparent contact with Taylor.
Hurzeler also saw red for encroachment while Espirito Santo followed for foul language.
Forest assistant Rui Pedro Silva said: “It was a strong but fair tackle. I didn’t see anything that justified a second yellow.”
He added: “If he (Jones) makes that sign to show the ball, maybe go through with his decision. But I didn’t see the image.
Official stance
By Mark Halsey
WHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big trouble.
Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.
Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.
Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.
And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.
Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision.
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“I think the referee on the pitch is the main decision (maker) of the game so if he sees that he should stick with his decision.
“I think the referees took their time to chat, to have a conversation about that situation, and they make the final decision to show a second yellow card to Morgan.
“Anthony has a point of view, Rob probably another point of view, the linesmen another point of view.”