Anthony Taylor (Referee) Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Bio/Wiki
Other name	Anthoni Taylor
Profession(s)	• Front office supervisor • Football referee • Prison officer
Known for	Manhandled by AS Roma fans at Budapest airport
Physical Stats & More
Height (approx.)	in centimeters- 178 cm in meters- 1.78 m in feet & inches- 5’ 10”
Weight (approx.)	in kilograms- 75 kg in pounds- 165 lbs
Eye Colour	Blue
Hair Colour	Bald
Personal Life
Date of Birth	20 October 1978 (Friday)
Age (as of 2022)	44 Years
Birthplace	Wythenshawe, Cheshire, Manchester, England
Zodiac sign	Libra
Nationality	British
Hometown	Wythenshawe, Cheshire, Manchester, England
School	Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
College/University	• Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, England • Manchester Metropolitan University, Machester, England
Educational Qualification	• Master's in Science in sports coaching (2016-2018) • Master's of Sports Directorship (2021-2023) [1]LinkedIn - Anthony Taylor
Religion	Christianity
Food Habit	Vegetarian/Non-vegetarian [2]citation
Relationships & More
Marital Status	Married
Family
Wife/Spouse	Anne Marie (Prison officer)
Children	Son- None Daughter- 2 (Names not known)
Parents	Names not known
Siblings	Brother- None Sister- Kate (Doctor)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Anthony Taylor

• Anthony Taylor is a British football (soccer) referee with over 15 years of experience, who gained widespread attention in June 2023 after an incident where he and his family were physically confronted by fans of AS Roma FC at Budapest Airport.

• During his teens, he actively participated in football and received suggestions about refereeing lessons while playing; however, realizing that his chances of reaching the professional level were limited, he made the decision to pursue referee training and embark on a career as a referee.

• Taylor’s mother played a significant role in shaping his perspective on refereeing. Whenever he expressed frustration or anger over a referee’s decision while playing, his mother encouraged him to consider the challenges and perspectives of the referee. This experience had a lasting impact on Taylor, influencing his understanding and appreciation for the role of a referee in the game of football.
  

  Anthony Taylor (in blue dress) refereeing in a match

• From February 1998 to December 2000, he worked as a front-office supervisor at Hilton Hotels and Resorts.

• From January 2001 to July 2013, he worked as a prison officer at HM Prison and Probation Service before resigning from his job to focus more on his career as a match referee.

• His refereeing career started at the age of sixteen when he officiated matches in the local Wythenshawe Leagues. Over time, he advanced to become a match referee in the Northern Premier League in 2001 and later in the Conference North in 2004.

• In 2005, Anthony Taylor earned a promotion to the National List of assistant referees, and the following season, he was further promoted to the National List of Referees. His debut match in League Two took place in August 2006, featuring Wrexham and Peterborough United. Notably, he also officiated the finals of the 2010 FA Vase and the 2012 FA Trophy.
  

  Anthony Taylor refereeing in a match

• On 3 February 2010, Anthony Taylor refereed his first English Premier League (EPL) match, which was held between Fulham and Portsmouth. His performances led to a promotion to the List of Select Referees for the 2010-2011 EPL season. Throughout his career, he officiated in significant events such as the finals of the 2015 League Cup, the 2015 FA Community Shield, the 2017 FA Cup, the 2018 EFL Championship Playoffs, and the 2020 FA Cup.
  

  Anthony Taylor (in the black dress) during an EPL match

• He achieved the status of a FIFA-listed referee on 1 January 2013. His refereeing career reached new heights when he officiated in the prestigious FIFA World Cup 2022. His talents were recognized on the international stage as he also oversaw the finals of notable tournaments such as the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, the 2020 EURO Qualification Play-Off, the 2021 UEFA Nations League, and the 2023 UEFA Europa League Final.
  

  Anthony Taylor during a FIFA tournament

• He has a deep love for animals and owns a pet dog.
  

  Anthony Taylor playing with his dog

• During an interview, he mentioned Joe Worrall, George Courtney, Pierluigi Collina, and Markus Merk as some of his favourite referees. He also added that Chris Foy was his mentor.

• During the opening match of the 2011-12 EPL season, which featured Middlesbrough and Leeds United, Anthony Taylor made a notable impact by issuing double yellow cards to three players, resulting in their dismissal from the field. Throughout the course of that season, he continued to display firm disciplinary actions, eventually sending off an additional five players in the remaining 34 matches. ^[3]The Independent
  

  Anthony Taylor giving a yellow card during a match

• Due to his refereeing decisions in Arsenal matches, Anthony Taylor has had several contentious encounters with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. In January 2017, Wenger received a four-game touchline ban as a result of a heated conversation with Taylor. Moreover, when Taylor was appointed as the referee for the 2017 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea, Arsenal fans expressed their displeasure on Twitter and criticized the decision. Some fans even sarcastically congratulated Chelsea in advance upon hearing the news. ^[4]Daily Mirror
  

  Anthony Taylor (left) during his spat with Arsene Wenger

• He considers himself a fan of Altrincham FC. Although he is unable to attend their matches regularly due to his refereeing commitments, he demonstrates his support by purchasing full-season tickets for their matches each year.
  

  Anthony Taylor during a program at Altrincham FC

• He is known for his support and advocacy of non-league football.

• During a UEFA Euro 2020 match between Denmark and Finland on 12 June 2021, his quick response and decisive action saved the life of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen. When Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, Taylor immediately called for medical assistance, ensuring that Eriksen received prompt medical attention and eventually stabilized. Taylor’s heroism at that moment earned him praise from fans, players, and notable figures, including Prince William. ^[5]Manchester Evening News
  

  Anthony Taylor signalling medical attention for Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen

• Prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, he underwent a tailored fitness program to prepare for the high temperatures expected during the tournament. As part of this preparation, Taylor engaged in running exercises on a treadmill within a controlled environment room.

• On 31 May 2023, during the Europa League final in Budapest, Hungary, between AS Roma and Sevilla FC, Anthony Taylor issued a total of 14 yellow cards, marking the highest number of yellow cards given in any Europa League game. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Sevilla eventually winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
  

  Anthony Taylor during his spat with Jose Mourinho (right)

• Following the game, Taylor and his family faced an unfortunate incident at Budapest airport. AS Roma fans, including manager Jose Mourinho, blamed Taylor for their team’s loss and acted aggressively towards him, his daughter, and his wife. They subjected them to verbal abuse, threw drinks, and one fan even threw a chair, resulting in the arrest of the individual responsible. Mourinho himself was involved in heated exchanges with Taylor at the airport parking. Despite the ordeal, Taylor was later spotted taking a walk near his home with his wife and their dog, seemingly trying to move past the incident. ^[6]Sky Sports
  

  Anthony Taylor (in blue jersey) during the fixture between AS Roma and Sevilla FC

  

  Anthony Taylor with his wife, Anne Marie, after few days of the incident