Richard Keys dismisses Man City v Arsenal referee’s decision as a message to Howard Webb
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 Keyes has criticised PGMOL’s election to appoint Anthony Taylor. I will be the referee for Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal this weekend. Two Premier League heavyweights go head-to-head on Sunday, April 19, in a potentially season-defining encounter.
Currently, the Gunners have a six-point lead over the Sky Blues, although City have an important game in hand. With what is at stake billed as the ‘Game of the Season’, PGMOL has entrusted Taylor, being one of its most experienced officials, to oversee the match.
He will be supported by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussain, while Paul Tierney takes on the role of fourth official. Meanwhile, John Brooks and Stuart Burt will be on VAR duty.
Despite his track record, Keys has objected to Taylor’s inclusion in the match, particularly as he hails from Wythenshawe and lives in Altrincham, just six miles from Old Trafford.
His latest blog post he wrote: “I wish the PL had appointed a different referee for this weekend’s game against City.
“They named Altrincham’s Anthony Taylor. Why are they so stubborn? I repeat what I always say – not for one minute do I think Taylor will make the wrong decision deliberately, 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 referee good enough to handle a season’s play, that’s more indictment of Howard Webb and the PGMOL.”
Keys’ assessment comes despite Taylor declaring his allegiance to Altrincham and therefore no bias towards Manchester City or Manchester United, nor Arsenal, ahead of this weekend’s clash.
On the other hand, Graham Scott has defended PGMOL’s decision to select Taylor for the match.
He told Athletic: “Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is scheduled for one of the Manchester giants’ matches, given that he lives within a few miles of both grounds.
Richard Keyes talks about Anthony Taylor. (Photo: Getty Images)
“But his support for his hometown club Altrincham is genuine, not facile, and he has no allegiance to the city or to United.”
Meanwhile, Graham Rowley has previously told the same publication: “Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan. Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, although he can’t go to all the matches.
“People around here always ask if you’re red or blue. He’s actually a huge advocate for non-league football and should be applauded, not criticised.”
