Premier League referee Anthony Taylor left Euro

After Germany’s quarterfinal loss to Spain, Premier League referee Anthony Taylor left Euro 2024 early due to reaction. The seasoned referee, who has officiated many high-profile matches, returned to England before the tournament’s end, expecting to be unpicked for the Sunday final in Berlin, regardless of England’s fate.

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor left Euro

Taylor’s decision during Spain’s 2-1 win in Cologne, due to Mikel Merino’s 119th-minute header, is at issue. German player Jamal Musiala’s strike from the edge of the area hit Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, causing the ruckus. German fans and players insisted on a penalty for Cucurella’s handball.

Taylor rejected the penalty claims because Cucurella’s arm posture was natural and near to his body, not a purposeful handball.