by Nia Griffiths

Anthony Taylor has been appointed referee in Arsenal v Chelsea’s Community Shield match 2nd August and neither team is likely to be happy about the decision.

Taylor dished out a total of 113 yellow cards in the Premier League alone last season. Two of which came during the ridiculous display against Stoke, where he sent Calum Chambers off for two incredibly flimsy yellows, yet allowed Charlie Adam to stay on the pitch after manhandling Alexis Sanchez.

Anthony Taylor
Referee Anthony Taylor (via Google)

The blues will be equally perturbed by the selection due to Jose Mourinho being convinced that he started a hate campaign against Chelsea last season. Saying this, Taylor has never given Chelsea a red card, nor has he given their opponent a penalty against them. Excellent news for us.

The referee however seems over the moon with his role. Speaking to the FA, he said, “Big derby matches are always special, no matter where they take place, but Wembley is obviously such an iconic stadium. It’s a great way to start the season and for me it’s the final push for pre-season preparation, following on nicely from the Under 19s (European Championship) Finals.”

He continued, “The Community Shield is a perfect way to be ready for the start of the Premier League season.”

Hopefully he’ll treat the occasion as it should be treated and allow the game to flow without letting Chelsea kick us all over the pitch.