Agbonlahor on Premier League pulling Anthony Taylor from Chelsea games amid ‘shocking’ claim
The Premier League cannot listen to Thomas Tuchel and Anthony Taylor must continue to referee Chelsea games, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Chelsea cannot blame Taylor for their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday (14 August).
The Blues were aggrieved with both of Tottenham’s goals as they felt both should have been ruled out for fouls in the build-up.
As quoted by the Guardian after the game, Tuchel suggested that Taylor should not referee his side anymore.
The Athletic reported on Monday (15 August) that his comments are now being investigated by the FA.
Asked whether he agrees with the German’s view, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No, I don’t.
“I’m the first one to hammer referees but I thought Anthony Taylor, yes, he made some mistakes, but why would he have a problem with Chelsea? He’s got no reason to have a problem with Chelsea.
“Chelsea got decisions in the game. I feel Chelsea fans, Thomas Tuchel and ex-players are just jumping on the bandwagon.
“There has been a petition to stop him refereeing Chelsea games. If I’m the FA and the Premier League, I’m ignoring all of this.
“If Anthony Taylor has got to do a Chelsea game, he does it.
“When you look at different angles of the [Kai] Havertz challenge I thought it was a foul and then I see another angle and it looks like he’s got the ball.
“They’ve got a lot to do to go and score that goal. Look at your defending.
“Even the corner. Yes, it’s a red card for pulling [Marc] Cucurella’s hair, it’s shocking but attack the ball. [Kalidou] Koulibaly didn’t even jump in the box and Harry Kane had a free header.
“They have to look at their own defending, their own game management and not finishing challenges. Don’t blame the referee.”
In other news, Chelsea have submitted a £40million bid for a Premier League star.