Concerns over Anthony Taylor’s appointment ahead of must-win Nottingham clash

As Chelsea prepare for a crucial final Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, tensions are already high and an unpopular officiating decision has only added fuel to the fire.

The Blues know the stakes: a win secures a return to Champions League football. Anything less, and they’ll need results elsewhere to fall in their favour to clinch a top-five finish.

However, the announcement that Anthony Taylor will referee Sunday’s season finale has not gone down well among Chelsea supporters. The English official has a controversial history with the club, and his name alone has sparked backlash online. Many fans voiced their frustration on social media, echoing sentiments previously expressed by club veteran Thiago Silva, who has publicly criticised Taylor’s officiating in the past.

Despite the uproar, Taylor’s recent track record with Chelsea tells a slightly different story. The Blues have won three of the four games he’s officiated this season. After losing to Manchester City on the opening day under his watch, they went on to beat Bournemouth away, Fulham in a vital 2-1 win, and another unnamed fixture—all with Taylor in charge. Notably, the Bournemouth clash saw Taylor dish out a record number of yellow cards across both teams.

Still, Chelsea fans remain wary as head coach Enzo Maresca prepares for a balancing act. The high-stakes Premier League finale comes just three days before the club’s UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. With so much on the line, the appointment of a divisive referee has only added to the pressure as the Blues chase silverware and a place among Europe’s elite once more.