Anthony Taylor: England’s Most Prominent Football Referee Continues to Shape the Beautiful Game

Introduction: A Central Figure in Modern Football

Anthony Taylor has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most experienced and recognisable referees, regularly officiating the biggest matches in English and European football. Born on 20 October 1978, Taylor is an English professional football referee from Wythenshawe, Manchester, whose decisions have shaped countless high-stakes encounters throughout the 2024-25 season and beyond.

Taylor’s prominence in the game makes him a figure of significant interest to football fans, clubs, and pundits alike. His appointments to major fixtures reflect his standing within the refereeing community, whilst his decisions continue to generate discussion and debate across the sport.

Career Achievements and Major Appointments

In 2010, Taylor was promoted to the list of Select Group Referees who officiate primarily in the Premier League, and in 2013 became a listed referee for FIFA, enabling him to take charge of international and European competitions. His career highlights include refereeing the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals, both between Chelsea and Arsenal, becoming the first man to referee a second FA Cup final since Arthur Kingscott in 1901.

More recently, in May 2023, UEFA announced Taylor as the referee for the 2023 UEFA Europa League final, whilst in July 2024, Taylor was chosen to referee a knockout stage match between Spain and Germany at the European Championship. Taylor has also been confirmed to officiate Bayern Munich’s Club World Cup quarter-final against PSG in 2025, demonstrating his continued relevance at the highest level.

Recent Activity and Ongoing Relevance

Over the last 12 months Anthony Taylor has refereed 23 games, comprising 19 Premier League games, 1 Nations League game, 2 FA Cup games and 1 Champions League game. His recent appointments have included several London derbies and Manchester fixtures, with Taylor set to referee Arsenal’s match against Chelsea in November 2025, highlighting his trusted status for high-profile encounters.

However, Taylor’s career has not been without controversy. Taylor has admitted there have been times he has considered quitting refereeing because of the constant barrage of abuse, and revealed his family no longer attend high-profile matches after he was harassed by Roma fans at an airport following the 2023 Europa League final. Despite these challenges, Taylor remains committed to his profession and continues to officiate at the highest level.

Conclusion: The Human Face of Refereeing

Anthony Taylor’s career exemplifies both the prestige and pressures of elite-level refereeing. His extensive experience and regular appointments to major fixtures demonstrate the trust placed in him by football’s governing bodies. Yet his candid admissions about abuse and its impact on his family highlight the darker side of modern football culture.

As the 2024-25 season progresses, Taylor’s decisions will continue to influence crucial matches across multiple competitions. For football fans, understanding the challenges faced by referees like Taylor provides important context for the split-second judgements that can define matches. His ongoing presence at football’s highest level serves as a reminder of the vital, if often thankless, role referees play in the beautiful game.