Chelsea fans have been given an early kick in the teeth ahead of next weekend's crunch match against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Both sides are going into the match with wins from the opening weekend and two of the top four favourites will meet early on in the season at SW6.
The blow for Chelsea supporters is that Anthony Taylor, possibly the least popular figure on a matchday, has been appointed as the referee for the game, and he has a history of infuriating Blues fans. Last season Taylor officiated Thomas Tuchel's side as they drew 1-1 at Anfield on matchday two of the league season, and he sent off Reece James for handball before halftime
That was just one instance where Chelsea fans have felt hard done by due to Taylor. The 43-year-old also sent off Mateo Kovacic in the 2020 FA Cup final with a harsh decision, missed Emi Martinez's handball outside the box in the same game, and didn't give a handball call against Alexis Sanchez as he went on to score in the 2017 final, as well as giving a freekick against Chelsea for a kung-fu challenge on Marcos Alonso in 2019 against Tottenham.
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It's fair to say that Chelsea fans certainly aren't too pleased with Taylor's appointment for such a big game, and Mike Dean's position on VAR has made them just as angry and worried. The infamous referee retired from match officiating last year but is still working as a dedicated VAR assistant this season.
Here's how the announcement went down on Twitter:
@willreyner: Literally the worst combination ffs
@ejcball: We’re finished
@WudsonOdoi: Pain
@finnian1969: Well thats it then. 22 penalties for Spurs and we'll have 5 players red carded... sorted!!!
@Fabian_cfc: If we beat this combination wallahi we are winning the league.
@anhonestcfcfan: Day ruined.
@SXFateFN: Regret getting a ticket now
@Stanford_CFC: I see trouble looming
@Quekupac_: Chelsea lose in advance
@johnnyjl96: Noooooooooooooooooooo
@kundam_kenny: What a wicked ref. That man has caused Chelsea more harm than good. It's obvious they wanted Chelsea to sink.
@CFCPys: It gets even worse for Chelsea.. Mike Dean is on VAR duty.
@CFCDUBois: Mr Boehly pay. Pay and don’t speak.
@TheBeardedRauI: Congratulations @SpursOfficial
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