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Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for Manchester City's Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, with Richard Keys taking exception to the decision
Richard Keys has slammed PGMOL's choice to appoint Anthony Taylor as referee for Manchester City's clash with Arsenal this weekend. The two Premier League heavyweights go head-to-head in a potentially season-defining encounter on Sunday, April 19.
Currently, the Gunners enjoy a six-point advantage over the Sky Blues, though City possess a crucial game in hand. Billed as the 'game of the season' given what's at stake, PGMOL have entrusted Taylor with overseeing the fixture, owing to his status as one of their most experienced officials.
He will be supported by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, while Paul Tierney assumes the role of fourth official. John Brooks and Stuart Burt, meanwhile, will be on VAR duty.
Despite his track record, Keys has specifically objected to Taylor's involvement in the match due to him originating from Wythenshawe and residing in Altrincham, merely six miles from Old Trafford.
In his latest blog, he wrote: "I do wish the PL had appointed a different ref for the game v City this weekend.
"They've named 'Altrincham's' Anthony Taylor. Why do they stubbornly do this sort of thing? I'll repeat what I always say - not for a minute do I think Taylor will make bad decisions on purpose, but what if...?
"What if he makes a big call and it's wrong? Why put him under that kind of pressure? It's Taylor I feel for. If you're telling me we don't have another ref good enough to handle the game of the season, then that's a further indictment on Howard Webb and the PGMOL."
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Keys' assessment comes despite Taylor declaring his loyalty to Altrincham, and therefore having no bias towards either Manchester City or Manchester United, nor Arsenal ahead of this weekend's clash.
On the other hand, Graham Scott has defended the PGMOL's decision to select Taylor for the match.
He told The Athletic: "Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds.
"But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United."
Meanwhile, Grahame Rowley has also previously told the same publication: "Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan. Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can't go to all the matches.
"People around here always ask if you're a Red or a Blue. He's actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised."
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