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02nd Jun 2023

Shocking footage shows Anthony Taylor being attacked by Roma fans at the airport

Jack Peat

Chairs and bottles were thrown at the referee and his family

Shocking footage has emerged on social media showing Anthony Taylor being attacked by Roma fans on his way home from the Europa League final.

The English referee officiated the tense game between Roma and Sevilla at the Puskas Arena.

Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez missed their penalties in the shoot-out to hand the Spanish outfit the trophy.

But the game was not without its controversies, producing 13 yellow cards and numerous dug-out bust-ups.

Manager Jose Mourinho confronted Taylor in the car park after the game, labelling him a “f**king disgrace”.

Clips have also emerged showing Taylor and his family getting harassed at the airport on their way home.

Footage uploaded to social media shows the referee being ushered out of a cafe and into a secure area by airport security after supporters hounded him.

The clips show a chair and bottle being thrown in the direction of Taylor and his group, which included two females.

The English referees body PGMOL said in a statement it was “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,” it said.

“We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.”

Former England footballer Rio Ferdinand said on Twitter: “I hope Anthony Taylor and his family are ok after that b*.

“How has he been left to walk without security? All of the authorities have to start thinking worst-case scenarios, the way things are.

“Those thugs should be held accountable asap.”

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