Roma supporters have mockingly celebrated the retirement of English referee Anthony Taylor, as both they and manager Jose Mourinho have yet to forgive him for his officiating during the 2023 Europa League Final.
Today, Taylor announced his retirement after 14 years on the FIFA referee list, during which he officiated in two editions of the World Cup.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MAY 31: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, reacts after the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final match against Sevilla FC at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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The 47-year-old referee had a lengthy career as the longest-serving Premier League official, with 16 years in the top flight.
Yet, he became infamous in Italy, particularly among Roma fans, for his performance in the 2023 Europa League Final, where Sevilla emerged victorious.
Roma Fans Still Hold a Grudge Against Taylor
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MAY 31: Referee Anthony Taylor looks on alongside Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
After the match, a frustrated Mourinho criticized Taylor, claiming the loss was “unjust” and adding, “the referee seemed Spanish.”
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Mourinho confronted Taylor, unleashing a tirade in the stadium’s car park post-match, which resulted in a four-match UEFA ban for him.
After the final, Roma fans encountered Taylor and his family at the Budapest airport, necessitating a security cordon for them to avoid threats from supporters.
“That’s the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” Taylor told the BBC, referencing being with family during the incident. “It highlights the impact of people’s behavior on others, even in a match like that, where there were no significant mistakes.”
Even after three years, Roma fans have not moved on from their grudge against Taylor. Following his retirement announcement, they shared numerous memes, indicating it was “three years too late” and that they are “finally free.”
One particularly tasteless meme featured images of World War II soldiers reading ‘Hitler Dead’ in their newspapers.