Europa League: Four times Jose Mourinho’s clashed with Anthony Taylor in the EPL

Anthony Taylor has never been a popular referee among fans.

He has often been involved in controversial decisions, with Chelsea fans particularly convinced he always has a vendetta against them and sometime last year, an online petition to have him never officiate the club's games again was launched.

On May 31, however, his relationship with fans hit a new low after he oversaw the Europa League final, starting with AS Roma coach, Jose Mourinho lashing out at him in the press conference before confronting him in the parking lot.

A day later, ugly scenes were taped in Budapest as fans - understood to be Roma supporters - accosted the Premier League referee in Budapest.

The situation deteriorated to the point where police had to step in to shield the referee and his female partner from, for lack of a better term, a mob.

As history shows, this was not the first time Mourinho has had an altercation with Taylor.

Sports Brief recalls all the other times the Portuguese tactician had run-ins with the official.

1. October 2013 vs Cardiff

During Mourinho's second stint as Chelsea manager, he led his side to a 4-1 win over Cardiff but was incensed with how the opponents wasted time.

He gave Taylor and the fourth official, Trevor Kettle an earful before he was sent off. The coach was also later fined 8,000 euros for improper conduct.

2. October 2016 vs Liverpool

Taylor was appointed to oversee the North West derby during Mourinho's first season in charge of Manchester United. The referee, who is originally from Greater Manchester, made the coach question his impartiality.

"I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee, but I think somebody with intention is putting such pressure on him that I feel it will be difficult for him to perform well," Mourinho said, as per the Mirror.
The game ended in a goalless draw, but the Portuguese boss was fined 50,000 euros for bringing the game to disrepute.

3. November 2016 vs West Ham

Taylor was the fourth official this time around when Jonathan Moss sent Mourinho off for dissent. The Special One was infuriated after Paul Pogba was booked for diving.

He kicked a water bottle and for his actions, he was once again fined - this time 16,000 euros.

4. December 2019 vs Chelsea

This is perhaps one of the few decisions Chelsea fans can look back to and support Taylor. The 44-year-old referee sent off Heung-min Son for a high boot challenge on Antonio Rudiger in North London.

Mourinho, now in charge of Tottenham, disagreed with the decision. He launched a full-scale tirade against the referee during his post-match comments.

"The Son situation was handled badly. The ref has to book Rudiger and the reaction from Son is not an aggression. Does Rudiger have broken ribs going to the hospital? Other people call it intelligent by Rudiger," as captured by Bleacher Report.
Mourinho's misery was compounded after he lost the game 2-0 to his former player, Frank Lampard.

Anthony Taylor, the referee of the Europa League final, was attacked by Roma supporters at Budapest airport. ????

Shocking. ????

pic.twitter.com/u5dmlxZs0h

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 1, 2023