Premier League referee Anthony Taylor retires, bemoans 'constant scrutiny'

Premier League and World Cup referee Anthony Taylor retired on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Taylor cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny as reasons for leaving the role after a 20-year career.

He officiated 831 games, including 432 Premier League matches, and refereed at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.

Taylor was praised for calmly handling the Euro 2020 Denmark-Finland match after Christian Eriksen collapsed.

He faced abuse after Jose Mourinho called him a "disgrace" following Roma's 2023 Europa League final loss.