Tag: Anthony Taylor

Merino brands Caicedo tackle “horrible” after Arsenal rescue point

Moises Caicedo
December 2025

Mikel Merino described Moises Caicedo’s studs-up challenge on his ankle as a “horrible” tackle that he always believed warranted a red card, recalling how his joint bent awkwardly and admitting he was relieved to avoid serious injury before later heading Arsenal’s equaliser. Initially booked, Caicedo saw his punishment upgraded after Anthony Taylor consulted the pitchside monitor and ruled the excessive-force challenge endangered Merino’s safety, with the Spaniard revealing he did not speak to the midfielder afterwards and stressing that mobility and luck prevented a potentially much worse outcome.

VAR Under Fire After Liverpool Handball Controversy

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)
August 2025

Liverpool fans raged after referee Anthony Taylor and VAR ignored a clear handball by Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi against Hugo Ekitike in their Premier League opener. Supporters slammed the decision as disgraceful and called for accountability in officiating. Just 12 minutes into the new season, Senesi deliberately handled the ball to stop Ekitike’s run, but avoided punishment. The decision reignited debates on VAR’s consistency, with accusations of incompetence clouding the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

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