After issuing a record 14 yellow cards during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth last weekend—the most ever in a single game in Premier League history—Anthony Taylor will not referee any of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend.
However, he will serve as the fourth official for Ipswich Town’s match against Southampton on Saturday and Brighton & Hove Albion’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees officiating in English football, stated that this decision is not related to his recent officiating but is part of the regular rotation of referees for fixtures.
During Chelsea’s game at the Vitality Stadium, in which Chelsea defeated Bournemouth, a total of 14 yellow cards were issued. Six Bournemouth players received yellow cards, while eight Chelsea players were also booked. However, none of the players received a second yellow card, which would have led to a sending-off.
The 45-year-old Taylor was promoted to the league’s top flight in 2010 and has been a consistent presence, officiating major finals including the 2015 League Cup and the FA Cup in 2017 and 2020.
In 2013, he became a FIFA-listed referee, allowing him to officiate UEFA and FIFA matches, including the Super Cup in 2020 and the Nations League Final in 2021.
