Who does Anthony Taylor support? Referee's allegiances revealed amid Man City fume

Antony Taylor's display in Manchester City's Premier League clash against Bournemouth was met with furious protests by City players and supporters at the Etihad Stadium

Premier League referee Antony Taylor was on the receiving end of a torrid reception from Manchester City players and supporters during Sunday's clash with AFC Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola's men led the Cherries 2-1 at half-time thanks to Erling Haaland's brace. The striker rounded Djordje Petrovic to add his second just seven minutes after Tyler Adams equalised.

The midfielder's goal was met with boos and protests from everyone associated with City after Gianluigi Donnarumma ended up on the floor. Replays showed that the Italy international got his punch wrong, which allowed Adams to tap into an empty net.

Donnarumma was booked for his protest and Phil Foden was also booked later on in the half. Taylor's decision to allow several debatable tackles in Bournemouth's favour added more frustration to the Etihad Stadium faithful.

Just before the break, more boos were directed at the referee when he blew up for half-time after City won a free-kick. Haaland was spotted sarcastically chuckling as he made his way off the pitch.

Fans on social media have decided to place more fury on Taylor, insisting he was purposely not giving City decisions. The Manchester Evening News brings you all you need to know about the obligations surrounding officials and their individual alliances.

Referees are instructed to uphold complete neutrality when officiating games. Chief refereeing official of PGMOL, Howard Webb, confirmed at the start of the 2024/25 season that referees would see their allegiances declared to restrict the risk of complaints about a conflict of interest.

Webb's comments came after Nottingham Forest slammed Stuart Atwell's performance in the 2-0 defeat to Everton, pointing towards his support of Luton Town, who were in a relegation battle with the Reds at the time.

"When referees put in allegiance forms they're asked to declare any specific interests in advance of the season, and as the season goes on should any of those things change," Webb said. "That's going to be made public so you can see what that looks like, what those declarations of interests are.

"We review each of those, and then make a judgment if we feel there is a conflict. If you've got any personal connections to people who work for clubs as well, we'll make an evaluation of all of those. If there is a conflict of interest that will be recorded and taken into account on the appointments."

For Taylor, the Greater Manchester-born official supports National League side Altrincham. In April 2023, club president Graham Rowley revealed in an interview with The Athletic that Taylor had a season ticket at the non-league outfit.

"Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan," he said. “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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