Anthony Taylor, the English referee subjected to a verbal assault by Jose Mourinho following the Europa League Final, was invited as a guest by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to the Champions League final held at the Ataturk Stadium. This gesture is seen as a significant vote of confidence in Taylor’s abilities.
Taylor had overseen the Europa League Final in which Mourinho’s Roma lost to Sevilla on penalties. He faced a disgraceful verbal assault from Mourinho and was later attacked by Roma supporters while leaving the airport. Despite the turmoil, Taylor’s reputation as one of the best referees in the world remains intact.
Roma fans displayed a banner calling Taylor a ‘f****** disgrace,’ echoing Mourinho’s words. The Premier League and various figures in the footballing world have condemned the unacceptable abuse directed at Taylor.
UEFA has shown support for Taylor, and his presence at the Champions League final as Manchester City triumphed over Inter Milan is evidence of the confidence placed in him by the footballing community. Mourinho faces potential sanctions from UEFA for his actions.
Taylor’s resilience and professionalism have earned him respect and solidarity from the footballing fraternity, making him a symbol of strength and integrity in the face of adversity.
