Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has revealed he considered quitting football after his family was subjected to vile abuse at Budapest airport following the 2023 Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla.
The incident occurred after Roma’s defeat in the match, during which then-manager José Mourinho angrily confronted Taylor in the Puskás Arena car park, calling him a “f**king disgrace” over what he claimed were “bull** decisions*.”
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 46-year-old referee described the ordeal as the worst experience of abuse he has ever faced, particularly because it involved his loved ones.
“That’s for sure the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” Anthony Taylor said.
“Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people’s behaviour on others.”
Anthony Taylor, who has officiated in multiple major tournaments, maintained that he made “no major mistakes” during the game, which Sevilla eventually won on penalties.
The veteran referee added that incidents like the one in Budapest underscore the emotional toll of online and public harassment that match officials and their families often endure after high-profile games.
