Fans have raised questions about referee Anthony Taylor’s performance during a tense Euro 2024 quarter-final match between hosts Germany and Spain. The Premier League official, supported by assistants Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, along with VAR Stuart Attwell, took charge of the high-profile tie.
Taylor’s early decision-making came under scrutiny when he opted not to caution Toni Kroos for a foul on Pedri in the opening minutes of the game. The German midfielder’s high tackle brought the Spanish player down painfully, and Pedri ultimately had to leave the game due to a reported knee injury, which may keep him out for the rest of the tournament.
Germany’s Toni Kroos fouled Spain’s Pedri early in the quarter-final match in Stuttgart
The German midfielder avoided a caution from English referee Anthony Taylor
Taylor later showed a caution to Spanish defender Robin Le Normand, a decision that was deemed harsh
Speaking on the BBC, former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin expressed surprise at Taylor’s decision not to caution Kroos for the challenge. Nevin stated, ‘Toni Kroos completely mistimed it and wiped Pedri out – that is a clear caution. It is difficult, and every referee will deny it, but you can’t come out as a referee and have a game plan.’ He further added, ‘Sometimes you have to make a decision early, and I don’t think Anthony Taylor got that right.’
Nevin also criticized Taylor for what he called an ‘awful decision’ to caution Spanish defender Robin Le Normand later in the half, suggesting that Germany’s Ilkay Gundogan had ‘thrown himself to the ground.’ The caution meant that Le Normand would be suspended for a potential semi-final if Spain advances.
Taylor’s two key decisions in the first half attracted criticism on social media, with one fan writing, ‘Anthony Taylor at it once again, same old story with English referees. They shouldn’t even be allowed at these tournaments; keep them in the Premier League and stay away.’ Another fan commented, ‘Anthony Taylor simply has to set the tone early there; that’s a terrible challenge on Pedri. That’s a caution, simple as that.’
The English official had a busy first half during an intense Euro 2024 quarter-final clash
Taylor went on to show two additional cautions in the first half to Germany’s David Raum and Antonio Rudiger. The caution for Rudiger would result in the defender’s suspension should Germany advance to the semi-finals. Spain ultimately took the lead early in the second half when Dani Olmo, who replaced Pedri, scored against the hosts.