London, October 10, 2025 — One of Europe’s leading football referees has urged fans, players, and pundits to stop expecting perfection from match officials, insisting that human error is an inevitable part of the game despite the growing use of technology such as VAR.
In a candid interview ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, English referee Anthony Taylor said the increasing scrutiny on officials has created “unrealistic standards” that ignore the fast-paced, emotional nature of football.
“We are professionals, and we strive to get every decision right,” Taylor said. “But football is full of split-second moments. Even with VAR, there will always be judgment calls. People need to remember that referees are part of the game, not machines.”
The comments come amid renewed debate over refereeing standards after several high-profile controversies this season, including disputed penalties and offside calls that have sparked outrage from managers and supporters.
Taylor, who has officiated Champions League and major international matches, defended the integrity of his colleagues, saying most officials review their performances after every game and undergo constant training. “No one is harder on us than we are on ourselves,” he said. “We know when we’ve made a mistake, and we always want to improve.”
Football governing bodies have also voiced support for referees, warning that social media abuse and public criticism are driving younger officials away from the profession. The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has launched new initiatives aimed at improving communication and transparency, including post-match video explanations for key decisions.
Former players and analysts have echoed Taylor’s sentiment, suggesting that while technology has improved accuracy, it has also increased the pressure on referees to deliver flawless performances. “VAR was supposed to help, but it has only shifted expectations,” said ex-referee Mark Clattenburg. “Now fans think every decision should be perfect, and that’s just not realistic.”
Taylor concluded by calling for greater respect and understanding from all sides. “We need to bring back the spirit of the game,” he said. “Referees make mistakes, players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes. That’s football.”
