Ref Taylor invited to Champions League Final while Mourinho risks lengthy ban
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has invited Anthony Taylor and his family to Istanbul for the Champions League Final, while José Mourinho could be banned for four European games in 2023-24.
Journalist Fabio Licari wrote in Tuesday’s printed edition of Gazzetta (page 17) that UEFA want to show protection to Taylor after the English referee and his family were attacked by a group of Roma fans this past Thursday.
It happened the day after the Giallorossi’s defeat in the Europa League Final against Sevilla.
Mourinho had blamed Taylor during his post-match interviews, but the Portuguese did even more and waited for the English referee inside the car park at the Puskas Arena to continue insulting him.
According to Gazzetta’s report, and contrary to what had already been reported by Il Corriere dello Sport, UEFA believe Taylor officiated well. Fernando’s arm was considered in a natural position, meaning Roma didn’t deserve a penalty in the second half, although Erik Lamela should have been sent off in the final stages of extra time, receiving a second yellow card.
On the other hand, fourth official Michael Oliver was too lax on the touchline and should have signalled the conduct of Mourinho and Roma’s reserves first.
Gazzetta claims UEFA are highly unhappy with Murinho’s behaviour during the Final and over the course of the season. He and his staff have collected 15 red cards this season, including two for the Special One.
UEFA’s investigation into Mourinho’s actions in Budapest could take up to a month, but according to Gazzetta the ex-Inter coach could be banned for the opening four Europa League games in 2023-24.
