A Lazio supporters' club has vowed to make Europa League final referee Anthony Taylor an honourary member after he was subjected to 'barbaric aggression' during Roma's bitter defeat against Sevilla last Wednesday.
Fans of the Italian side, who hold an acrimonious rivalry with Jose Mourinho's side, leapt to Taylor's defence after Roma supporters acted aggressively towards the referee following their 4-1 defeat on penalties.
Mourinho stoked the fire by confronting Taylor in the car park following the defeat, labelling him a 'f***ing disgrace' for not awarding Roma a penalty during the match.
The Portuguese manager has since been charged for the abuse language, although it didn't stop Roma fans from ambushing Taylor and his wife at Budapest airport, with one supporter throwing a chair which narrowly missed the referee.
Subsequently, a group of Lazio fans defended Taylor by displaying a banner during the club's 2-0 win over Empoli, which secured a second-place finish on the final day of the Serie A season.
A Lazio supporters' club based in Pomezia has since announced that it will make Taylor an honorary member at its annual meeting on Tuesday night, according to the Times.
Their statement read: 'In addition to the business already noted, namely approval of the club accounts for season 2022-23 and confirmation of membership arrangements for season 2023-24, in accordance with the express wishes of our members, we will extend an honorary membership to Anthony Taylor.
'He has been the victim of barbaric aggression from Roma supporters since the conclusion of the exciting and enjoyable Europa League final. We invite our members to turn out in large numbers for this event.
'After the final at the Puskas Arena, Jose Mourinho, the Roma manager, waited in a car park to hurl abuse at the official as he left the stadium.
'He shouted: “F***ing disgrace man, it’s a f***ing disgrace,” before switching to Italian, then saying, “Congratulations, you f***ing disgrace. F*** off".'
During the tempestuous affair, Taylor brandished a total of 14 yellow cards during the 120-minute long clash, marking a record for the highest number of bookings dished out in a European final.
Mourinho said in his post-match interview: 'Next year we won’t be playing the Champions League and that’s a good thing because we’re not made for it.
'And let’s hope that Taylor only officiates games in the Champions League and does the same bulls*** there that he did tonight, and not in the Europa League.'
Rabsda20
1
Well it seems not just Roma or Mourinho, realize Taylor did crap in the game. Let's wait and see. I do hope to officiate in Lazio's CL matches and behaves the same way.
rattyponcho
3
Club Lazio when was the last time you won a trophy🏆
RipRoz
1
Jose met Taylor at the car park where he parked the bus 😄
sepbeitz
1
what a disgasting club
konbckmpty
1
Refereeing a match that cynical was a impossible mission. Some of the players were an absolute disgrace and made the match. Pretty shitty. Mourinho saves all the excitement for the car park, and not the pitch. Love him and to hear him talk, but the football is never that exciting. And I truly am a fan of his, as he is absolute box, office and very quotable, but watching his teens is like watching grass grow.
Eddy509
6
taylor didn't do a good job in the final.