PGMOL condemns referee Taylor abuse

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has expressed its shock and dismay at the “unjustified and abhorrent” abuse directed at Anthony Taylor and his family at Budapest Airport following Wednesday’s Europa League final. Taylor and his family were subjected to verbal abuse from angry fans at the airport. This incident occurred after Roma boss Jose Mourinho was seen in a car park confronting the referee with a foul-mouthed rant. PGMOL released a statement saying, “[We are] aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport. We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the Uefa Europa League final. We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.” Uefa is currently awaiting reports from match officials and delegates before deciding whether to take action against Mourinho for the separate incident in the car park under the stadium after the match. During the match, Mourinho criticised Taylor and was later captured ranting and making pointed comments as Taylor and officials were boarding a minibus. He repeatedly swore and twice shouted about a “disgrace” before speaking in Italian. Uefa’s chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti attempted to calm the situation down. Taylor issued yellow cards to 13 players, the most bookings in a Europa League game, with seven of them being to Roma players, a record for a final. Delays and injuries saw more than 25 minutes of injury time played across the four halves of the game, which went to extra time and then a shootout.