An Italian Fan Arrested Over Attack On Antony Taylor And His Family At The Airport In Budapest

Following the Europa League final game, Roma fans attacked referee Anthony Taylor and his family and presently an Italian supporter has been caught and detained. Taylor officiated the Roma vs. Sevilla match, which resulted in a 4-1 Sevilla victory on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Rui Patricio, the goalkeeper, was found to have crossed the line and forfeit the decisive penalty, which was converted by Gonzalo Montiel. In addition, 14 yellow cards were given out to Roma. They were also denied a penalty in the second half.

After the game, Taylor meets the manager of the Serie A team, Jose Mourinho, who called him a “big disgrace” in the stadium’s parking lot. The police had to intervene by escorting Taylor through the airport in Budapest after he was heckled by fans, some of whom made physical grab attempts. One supporter was seen throwing a chair at the English official as he and his family passed through the airport in a social media video.

It has now been confirmed that an Italian citizen has been arrested. A statement from Budapest airport and the police read: “Anthony Taylor, the referee of the UEFA Europa League final, was involved in an incident at Ferenc Liszt International (Budapest) Airport yesterday evening. Fans of the losing Roma team recognised the referee in the food court of the airport, where he was waiting for his flight to depart.”

“Thanks to the airport operator’s close cooperation with the police and the increased police presence at the airport during the arrival and departure of the fans, the authorities intervened immediately, and the referee was escorted to a lounge and boarded his flight safely, accompanied by police officers.”

“The Italian citizen involved in the incident was apprehended by the police and criminal proceedings have been initiated on charges of affray. There were no further disturbances at the airport following the police response to this isolated incident.”

“Budapest Airport and the police wish to make it clear that there is zero tolerance towards violence of any kind towards passengers or staff working at the airport.”

The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) defends the Premier League official, saying they were left appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family.

They have also confirmed that they will continue to offer support to Taylor and his family. There is no news if Mourinho will be punished for his own outburst.