England's former top referee, Anthony Taylor, emphasizes that fans, media, players, and ex-referees must reflect on their behavior and stop the habitual abuse of match officials, which is often unacceptable and may lead to a decline in talented referees. Taylor believes VAR has become overly focused on minor details, despite its success in making more correct decisions, and that the pursuit of perfection is unrealistic. He expresses concerns about the toxic abuse suffered by referees, which can have a profound impact on their well-being and the future of the sport.
Taylor, who recently retired after officiating 831 professional matches, including two World Cups and two European Championships, is now focusing on his new role as head of referees for the Turkish Football Federation and continuing his charity work in the UK.