Taylor comments on infamous Europa League final: “There were no serious errors on my part.”

Anthony Taylor, referee of the controversial 2023 Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma in Budapest, gave an interview to the BBC in which, for the first time, he recounted the events of that career-defining evening.

In the interview, Taylor addressed several aspects of that match, from the controversial refereeing decisions—”but there were nothing serious”—to the post-match reactions, particularly those of then-Roma coach José Mourinho.

The match referee also recalled the incident at the airport, when some fans verbally attacked him in front of his family—an event that, he said, had a significant impact on his personal life.

“She never came to watch a match again,” he said, referring to the reaction of his family. These words were bound to spark controversy, especially given the tone he used toward Mourinho.

“The situation in Budapest,” he said, “is the worst I’ve ever faced in terms of insults. Not only because I was traveling with my family at the time, but it also highlights the impact people’s behavior has on others. Even in a match like that, where there were actually no serious errors.”

Taylor also emphasized the perception of a deliberate attempt to shift responsibility: “For me,” he added, “this is a huge source of disappointment, frustration, and anger. I don’t think what happened is acceptable, because I’m sure those people wouldn’t like it if someone turned around and said something like that to them or their children. They haven’t come to a match since.”

When asked if he thought Mourinho’s comments could have influenced the fans’ behavior, the referee replied without hesitation: “Yes, honestly, I think so.”