The retirement has prompted a familiar reaction among many Arsenal supporters, who have felt they have been on the wrong end of his biggest decisions.
Anthony Taylor has officially announced his retirement from professional refereeing, bringing an end to one of the most high-profile officiating careers in English football. The 47-year-old confirmed his decision after more than two decades at the elite level, saying the “pressure and scrutiny” of officiating had become constant.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Anthony Taylor retires from pro officiating.
“It’s been an immense privilege”. pic.twitter.com/sy6TqOEOQ2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2026
While Taylor leaves the game as one of England’s most decorated referees, his retirement has prompted a familiar reaction among many Arsenal supporters, who have long felt they have been on the wrong end of several of his biggest decisions.
Perhaps the most recent controversy came during Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Liverpool in October 2024. Taylor disallowed what many supporters believed was a legitimate late Arsenal winner, with fans describing the decision as one of the worst they had seen. The performance also drew criticism for a series of inconsistent calls throughout the match.
READ MORE: Manchester City close to agreeing deal for Arsenal midfield target in huge blow
Another one of the most memorable flashpoints between Anthony Taylor and Arsenal came on the opening day of the 2013/14 Premier League season. Taylor awarded Aston Villa two penalties during Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium and also sent off Laurent Koscielny late in the game after a second yellow card. Arsène Wenger labelled Taylor’s performance “stubborn” afterwards, while many Arsenal supporters felt several key decisions had gone against them on an afternoon that set the tone for a frustrating start to the campaign.
Over the years, Taylor has often found himself at the centre of Arsenal debates over penalties, red cards and disciplinary consistency, leading many supporters to feel they rarely enjoyed favourable outcomes when he was in charge.
That perception has only fuelled the reaction following his announcement, with social media quickly filling with Arsenal fans celebrating the end of an era they believe featured numerous frustrating afternoons.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Taylor’s overall career, however, remains one of the most distinguished of any English referee. He officiated more than 830 professional matches, including two FA Cup finals, a Europa League final, the UEFA Super Cup and matches at both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. Howard Webb described him as one of the country’s finest officials following the announcement.
Whether remembered for his achievements or the controversies that surrounded some of his biggest decisions, Taylor’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Premier League officiating.
For Arsenal supporters, though, the overwhelming reaction has centred less on his distinguished career and more on the belief that one of the referees they most frequently associated with contentious decisions will no longer be taking charge of their matches.
READ MORE: Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal deal imminent and expected to cost £75m-£80m
Anthony Taylor