Jump directly to the content
Reffing hell

Burnley boss Sean Dyche defends stag do referee Anthony Taylor, despite he and Kevin Friend enduring shocking afternoons

Taylor and Friend made a catalogue of errors, with the latter failing to send of TWO players for horrific acts of violence

Anthony Taylor endured a shocking afternoon during Swansea vs Burnley

Sponsored by

STAG-PARTY referee Anthony Taylor has been defended by Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

Taylor, who spent three days earlier in the week on his do in Marbella, wrongly awarded the Clarets a penalty at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium.

Anthony Taylor endured a shocking afternoon during Swansea vs Burnley
4
Anthony Taylor endured a shocking afternoon during Swansea vs BurnleyCredit: Reuters

He accused Swans’ Alfie Mawson of handling in the box when replays confirmed it was Burnley’s Sam Vokes.


Keep up to date with ALL the football news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary.


On the Spain trip with Taylor was fellow ref Kevin Friend — who had a stinker at yesterday’s clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth.

Friend was slated on social media after failing to send off both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Tyrone Mings, despite being involved in two appalling acts of violent play.

Anthony Taylor had his referee stag do in Marbella just a few days before the game
4
Anthony Taylor had his referee stag do in Marbella just a few days before the gameCredit: Reuters
Kevin Friend also had a shocker, failing to spot two appalling acts of violence
4
Kevin Friend also had a shocker, failing to spot two appalling acts of violenceCredit: PA:Press Association

But Clarets boss Dyche said of Taylor: “He’s human, isn’t he?

"I think people should be able to live a life outside of football. Unless there’s a rule that I don’t know about.”

Taylor was booed by the home fans and Swansea chief Paul Clement, whose side won 3-2, revealed: “The ref said he had made an honest decision.

Kevin Friend failed to send off Tyrone Mings and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Saturday
4
Kevin Friend failed to send off Tyrone Mings and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

"But I realised 30 seconds afterwards it was Vokes’ hand.

“I feel for refs. I referee training games and sometimes I just guess.

"It’s bizarre they are the only people in the stadium who don’t have the benefit of technology.”

Topics