Anthony Taylor has found himself at the center of controversy once more after serving as the fourth official in a dramatic match between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
The game, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw three red cards issued within a minute, sparking heated reactions from players and coaching staff.
Taylor, who had been removed from refereeing duties after facing death threats and online abuse following a Bournemouth versus Chelsea game, was thrust into the spotlight again. During the Chelsea game, he handed out 14 yellow cards and two to coaching staff, resulting in a flood of online vitriol.
The Premier League launched an investigation into the threats, and Taylor was offered support by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
In the Brighton-Forest clash, Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Joao Pedro. Although referee Rob Jones initially seemed to suggest that Gibbs-White won the ball, he later issued the second yellow, leaving the player furious and directing his frustration at Taylor.
The heated moment escalated as both coaches, Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo, were also dismissed for their conduct in the technical area.
Rui Pedro Silva, Santo’s assistant, expressed disagreement with the decision, suggesting that Gibbs-White’s challenge touched the ball and did not warrant a second yellow. He criticized the officiating but acknowledged the referees’ intent to control emotions during the tense match.
