Source: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, English referee Anthony Taylor has returned to England after completing his officiating duties at the European Championship. During the quarter-finals match between Germany and Spain, Taylor’s decision not to award Germany a penalty kick drew criticism and anger from German fans. Over 32,000 people signed a petition calling for the match to be replayed. Reports suggest that the reason for Taylor’s departure from Germany is that the likelihood of him refereeing the European Championship final is very slim, mainly due to England reaching the semi-finals. Although the final decision on the referee for the European Championship final has not been announced yet, Italian referee Daniele Orsato is believed to be the front-runner. Orsato officiated England’s quarter-finals match against Switzerland in the European Championship. At the age of 48, Orsato has been a FIFA referee since 2010 and previously officiated the 2020 Champions League final. He plans to retire after this European Championship.