Football

Liverpool Fans Left Seething After Anthony Taylor Appointed Referee For Sunday’s Man City Clash

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By
Ben Horlock
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Ben Horlock Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

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Sports Editor

Published18 Feb 2025

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Arsenal Liverpool Referee

Ahead of this weekend’s Super Sunday clash, the Man City vs Liverpool referee has been announced leaving Reds fans furious. 

Greater Manchester-born official Anthony Taylor has been tasked with overseeing the titanic encounter at the Etihad on gameweek 26.

Owing to Taylor’s place of birth, a section of the Anfield faithful have vented their frustrations at the Premier League‘s decision.

Meanwhile, Gary Beswick and Lee Betts have been handed assistant referee duties. Andy Madley will be acting as fourth official with Stuart Attwell and Adam Nunn on VAR.

Man City Vs Liverpool Referee And Premier League Match Officials (Sunday February 23)

  • Referee: Anthony Taylor
  • Assistants: Gary Beswick and Lee Betts
  • Fourth Official: Andy Madley
  • VAR Officials: Stuart Attwell and Adam Nunn (assist)

Man City Vs Liverpool Referee Announced As Anthony Taylor

Tuesday’s confirmation from the Premier League regarding the Man City vs Liverpool referee has seen a fiery backlash from a section of Reds fans.

Anthony Taylor is never too far away from controversy and a portion of the Anfield faithful aren’t too happy owing to his appointment.

Many turned to X (formerly Twitter) to share their concerns. Especially as it’s such a high-profile encounter that could prove pivotal in the title race.

Subsequently, many blasted the decision to give Taylor the whistle. Considering he is born in Cheshire, it has casted doubts over bias.

However, many should sleep easy as it’s public knowledge that Taylor is in fact an Altrincham supporter. Therefore, his commitment to fairness wouldn’t come into question from the PGMOL.

On the pitch, Arne Slot’s side are currently seven points clear of rivals Arsenal at the top of the table. That could extend to ten if victory against Aston Villa is secured on February 19.

Man City are firmly back in the race for a top-four finish after their slump towards the end of 2024. Winter addition Omar Marmoush announced himself to the Etihad in stunning fashion after netting a hat-trick against Newcastle on gameweek 25.

Anthony Taylor’s Premier League Stats For Man City And Liverpool

Since Anthony Taylor’s promotion to a Premier League referee in the 2010/11 season, he has overseen a total of 39 Man City top-flight games.

The Cityzens have won on 21 occasions and lost 9 times. Taylor has overseen 9 draws. Across those fixtures, 56 bookings have been issued with three straight red cards. The last dismissal being Rodri in 2023/24.

Three of those fixtures have come during the current campaign. The first was the opening weekend 2-0 victory against Chelsea, the second in the 2-1 defeat to Man United at the Etihad and the most recent was the 2-2 draw at Brentford.

In terms of penalties, 9 have been given during games involving City. Bruno Fernandes scored the last spot-kick in the 2-1 Manchester Derby defeat.

Taylor has refereed a total of 62 Premier League games involving Liverpool. The Reds have won 34, drawn 19 and lost the remaining 9.

111 yellow cards have been banished in total with just the three players sent off. The last Merseysider dismissed was Ibrahima Konate in the 2023/24 season.

Four of those fixtures have come in 2024/25. Taylor had the whistle for the 3-0 win over United, the 2-1 win at Wolves, the 2-2 draw with Arsenal and the 5-0 romp against West Ham.

Overall, 16 penalties have been awarded in games involving Arne Slot’s side. The last was taken and converted by Mo Salah at Molineux.

Interestingly, Taylor has officiated five Man City vs Liverpool Premier League fixtures. The latest was a 1-0 victory at Anfield under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp in 2022. Salah netted the only goal of the game.

Liverpool Fans Reactions On X

After the Man City vs Liverpool referee was announced on Tuesday, a section of Reds fans highlighted their frustrations at the appointment of Anthony Taylor.

One user said: “Anthony Taylor who is from Wythenshawe, Manchester will be officiating our game against Manchester City. Well done, great process PGMOL.”

Another explained: “Anthony Taylor will referee Manchester City v Liverpool with Stuart Attaell on VAR. Not sure why a Manchester born referee has to ref this game. Surely they could give him another game?”