The Premier League has slammed the "unacceptable abuse" directed at referee Anthony Taylor in the aftermath of Wednesday's Europa League final between Sevilla and Rome.
Taylor, a member of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, was the subject of extreme abuse as he was mobbed by Roma supporters on Thursday at Budapest airport. The abhorrent treatment of the Englishman came after Roma manager Jose Mourinho slammed the referee's performance during the final - which his side lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw - who he later branded a "f***ing disgrace" in a foul-mouthed car park rant.
In his post-match press conference, the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss continued to target Taylor, saying: "I need to defend my lads, and I must say that we are used to it, but still seeing this kind of refereeing in a European final is really, really hard."
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On Friday, both the Premier League and PGMOL released statements criticising the behaviour Taylor faced and both offered their full support to his family.
"We are shocked and appalled by the unacceptable abuse directed at Anthony Taylor and his family as they travelled back from the UEFA Europa League Final," said a Premier League spokesperson. "No one should have to suffer the inexcusable behaviour they had to endure yesterday. Anthony is one of our most experienced and accomplished match officials and we fully support him and his family."
While the PGMOL added: "PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.
"We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final. We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family."
Videos on social media show Taylor and his family struggling to negotiate the large crowd of Roma fans, with one fan appearing to throw a chair in the direction of the 44-year-old's entourage.
Taylor, who is from Greater Manchester, has refereed both Everton and Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
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