Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was branded Barcelona's ‘man of the match’ following the Catalans’ stormy win away to Porto.
Substitute Ferran Torres snatched the only goal of the game as Barcelona extended their 100% record in their Champions League group with a hard-fought 1-0. The hosts had most of the chances but were undone by a blunder from Romario Baro in first-half stoppage time which allowed Torres to go through and slide the ball past Diogo Costa.
It was not all plain sailing for the visitors, who had to survive a torrid late spell which culminated in Gavi being sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card. However, it was Porto who were left feeling most aggrieved by Taylor’s decisions.
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The Portuguese giants had two strong penalty shouts turned down, including one in the 77th minute for handball against Joao Cancelo. Taylor had pointed to the spot, only to overrule his own decision after being asked to watch the replay by VAR. Forward Eustaquio was deemed to have controlled the ball in the build-up with the help of his left arm.
Fans were left unhappy with Taylor’s display, with one declaring him “Barcelona's man of the match”. Another, referring to the handball call, fumed: “Why was this penalty not awarded against Barcelona? Please don't tell me the Porto guy used his hand cos I can't see any here. Joao Cancelo had the intention of using his hand which he did. England ref Anthony Taylor once again at it.”
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A third raged: “Anthony Taylor & Stuart Attwell [the VAR] get it absolutely wrong AGAIN. We are told above the shirt sleeve line is NOT handball. Ball clearly hits Porto player above shirt sleeve line. How long are you going to inflict these pair of absolute incompetent buffoons on us?”
A fourth asked: "Bro, what the hell is Anthony Taylor on lately? The amount of wrong decisions he has done is beyond dumb for someone on his level."
Taylor returns to Premier League duty on Saturday when he was will be fourth official for Fulham vs Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Attwell will be the man in the middle for Burnley vs Chelsea.
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