“This man again”, “Why him” - Chelsea fans react as PL confirms referee for opening fixture against Manchester City
Chelsea FC fans took to social media to express their displeasure about the choice of referee for their first Premier League match. The Blues open their Premier League campaign against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, 18th August, at Stamford Bridge.
Anthony Taylor has been announced as the referee to officiate the match between the two English giants.
The news about Taylor refereeing their league opener was not taken kindly by supporters of the London-based club.
"This man again," a user wrote.
"Why him," another fan wrote.
One user went on to predict the match, claiming they'll be reduced to SEVEN(!) players with Pep Guardiola's side winning 2-0.
"Chelsea 4 red cards ♦️ Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea," the user wrote.
Other predictions boldly proclaimed the match as 'over' while another forecasted a City penalty.
"City to get a penalty. Sure odd," the user predicted.
"Easy city W," supporter @OG_TWI said.
"It's over," another account was swift to dismiss the match.
Another user called this decision 'biased'.
"The bias agenda against Chelsea continues. F***!," the post said.
New manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, has been given a busy start to the season. The Blues play five matches in the opening month which also includes a two-legged play-off for a place in the third tier of European football - the UEFA Conference League.
It doesn't get any easier for the Italian tactician as his side makes a trip to Anfield, Old Trafford, and the London Stadium in the first 10 matches while playing hosts to Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Anthony Taylor's controversial history with Chelsea
This is not the first time Taylor has found himself as the subject of Chelsea supporters' ire. In 2022, fans of the London club started a petition on Change. org asking for the referee to be barred from officiating matches involving the west London club.
The petition was launched after their controversial 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge against derby rivals Tottenham in 2022-23. Taylor had failed to call for a foul when Cristian Romero pulled Marc Cucurella's hair with VAR also refusing to intervene. The match saw Harry Kane equalizing in stoppage time moments after the decision.
Then-VAR official Mike Dean later admitted that it was a decision he regretted. Over 160,000 people signed the petition demanding Taylor's ouster from matches involving the Blues. The petition went on to name 12 incidents that they felt Taylor got wrong in their matches.