Ahead of Sunday afternoon’s derby between Manchester City and Manchester United VMC published an article about match referee Anthony Taylor and in doing so explained the reason why we thought, even though many believe Taylor supports the Red side of Manchester that the 40-year-old’s Wythenshawe born referee was impartial and that his appointment to officiate the fixture was based purely on merit.
Almost 24 hours since the original publication dozens have taken to Twitter and in many cases expressed their feelings and reason why they have called the official’s integrity into question.
Come kick-off a worldwide TV audience of around one billion TV viewers will be glued to their screens and undoubtedly Taylor’s performance will be scrutinized to the hilt. In other words, he’ll have to be on his toes and show NO signs of allegiance towards either team, especially Jose Mourinho’s lot otherwise one can imagine the amount of abuse that would be slung at him and his Manchester United supporting family.
Premier League happy with decision to appoint Anthony Taylor as Manchester derby referee – SkySports https://t.co/3gvz3Gdthi
— MancunianBuzz (@MancunianBuzz) November 7, 2018
Anthony Taylor awarding United a penalty after Martial trips himself up is the most inevitable thing I've seen in my 59 years
— JS (@Pepological) November 7, 2018
The Premier League are happy with their decision to appoint referee Anthony Taylor for Manchester derby.
The decision to appoint Taylor has been criticised by City supporters due to the fact that he comes from Wythenshawe, just 6 miles from Old Trafford. [Sky Sports]
— City Chief ️ (@City_Chief) November 7, 2018
I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. Anthony Taylor said he was an Altrincham fan, no?
— Hamez Kirkwood (@kirky_107) November 7, 2018
What’s all the fuss about Anthony Taylor reffing the Manchester derby ! Surely being born that close to Old Trafford means you definitely wouldn’t be a fan ? Be more worried if he lived in Surrey
— Jeremy Russon (@jeremyrusson) November 7, 2018
Wonder how the reactions are going to affect Anthony Taylor's decision in the derby…why can't PGMOL just choose someone who has nothing to do with Manchester? #MCIMUN
— Chris Tom (@Chris_T22) November 7, 2018
Well its only wednesday and the premier league are already trying to stick the boot in by putting the rag fan anthony taylor in charge of the match on sunday. Not even subtle about it anymore. ????????????????????????????????.
— Ray Houldsworth (@RayHouldsworth) November 7, 2018
Wonder how much it cost fergie to get Anthony Taylor to referee the derby ????????♂️
— LUUk. (@LUUkmusic1) November 7, 2018
The official Manchester City supporters' group says it is "gobsmacked" that Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for the derby against Manchester United on Sunday. Taylor is an Altrincham fan but is from Wythenshawe, a Manchester United stronghold.
— ADEBAYO NURUDEEN (@iamNulad) November 7, 2018
Guess I’m just about the only City fan on here who’s genuinely not arsed that Anthony Taylor is reffing the match this weekend. Am assuming all others would’ve preferred Martin Atkinson ????????♂️
— Meat (@sunnycoastblue) November 7, 2018
Anthony Taylor to ref the derby. Born whythenshawe, into a family of reds. We might aswell just start with 10 men.
— Jake (@Jake__Platt) November 7, 2018
Come to watch @altrinchamfc to see if i can find Anthony Taylor with him being a MASSIVE Altrincham fan! ???? pic.twitter.com/LAjaLJalKQ
— Danny Jackson (@FanzoneDanny) November 6, 2018