Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Gary O’Neill has joked about referee Anthony’s demotion after he gave a controversial penalty against Wolves.
Taylor awarded a controversial penalty against Hee-Chan Hwang in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle last weekend. Key Matvh Incidents panel found the penalty decision incorrect, along with the fact that VAR refused to intervene.
According to O’Neill, Taylor becomes the third official this season to be stripped of their Premier League duties in the immediate aftermath of a poor decision against Wolves.
Simon Hooper did not referee a Premier League game for three weeks after failing to award a penalty against Andre Onana in Wolves 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
Josh Smith had to wait another month after his controversial handball penalty award in Wolves’ 1-1 draw at Luton.
Speaking about the demotion, Gary said:
“I saw the numbers in the review they did on Tuesday which was 5-0 in favor of a penalty not being given on-field, and 4-1 in favor of it not being overturned by VAR.
“I think Anthony Taylor’s doing the Championship game this weekend – that’s three referees who’ve been relegated on the back of refereeing us, so you need to be careful when you referee Wolves because you could end up getting relegated the following week!
“That’s Man Utd, Luton and Wolves now. I haven’t received an apology and I don’t want one. They’re not going to help, but hopefully, the level improves.”
Speaking on the level of officiating in the Premier League, Gary thinks it has to improve.
“I just feel a better level of refereeing is where I’m at with it. Too many mistakes. Communication’s fine, they’ve always communicated fine with me. It’s just the level, as we’re all held to high levels in what we do. I am, the players are, refereeing the same.
“They say these things even out, but I don’t see that happening. We’ve been on the bad end too many times. Hopefully, things can start to improve for them as well because I’m sure they’re feeling under pressure at the moment.
“The spotlight’s on them at the moment for all the mistakes that are being made, and whether VAR is helping or not. So let’s hope things improve.”
