Anthony Taylor has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s Premier League derby between champions Manchester City and rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
Taylor, from Wythenshawe, south Manchester, was in charge of United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford last month.
The 40-year-old, a fan of non-league Altrincham who is registered with the Cheshire Football Association, has been involved in previous controversial moments during games involving both rival clubs.
Last season, Taylor, who has refereed numerous matches involving the Manchester clubs, was in charge for City’s shock 1-0 FA Cup fifth round defeat to Wigan during February.
City saw Fabian Delph shown a red card just before half-time, with manager Pep Guardiola and Latics boss Paul Cook then involved in a feisty confrontation in the tunnel at the DW Stadium.
United boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, was fined £50,000 by the Football Association following a misconduct charge in the wake of comments made about Taylor’s suitability as referee ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool during October 2016.
Mourinho had said at the time: “I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee, but because such pressure is being put on him, I think it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance at Anfield.”
The Premier League does not comment on individual refereeing appointments.
Officials have to declare to referees’ governing body the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd who they support and are kept away from matches involving that club.
In 2013, Taylor was added to the FIFA referee list, which allows him to take charge of both European and international matches.
Press Association Sport understands the 40-year-old is also regarded as one of the most experienced referees in the current PGMOL Select Group.
