Both teams scrutinized several officiating calls made by the England referee during the final. The Europa League showpiece between Sevilla and Roma unfolded at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on a midweek evening, with fans and pundits paying as much attention to the whistle as to the on pitch action. This recap focuses on the key decisions involving the official and how they influenced the narrative of the continental final.
FOLLOW SEVILLA VS LIVE. ROMA IN THE 2023 UEFA EUROPE LEAGUE FINAL
Controversies surrounding Sevilla vs. Roma and the role of referee Anthony Taylor in the 2022-2023 Europa League final
Question over Rakitic’s involvement in Dybala’s goal
The moment Roma took the lead came at 0-1, beginning with a possible foul on Rakitic in midfield. A challenge from Cristante appeared to unbalance the Croatian midfielder as he fought to win the ball. Dybala then struck across Bono with a cross-shot to open the scoring. A VAR review reviewed Cristante’s arm movement in the sequence but did not call a foul on Rakitic. The incident became a flashpoint for debate about contact and interpretation in decisive moments. The sentiment that followed captured the tension surrounding the decision and circulated widely across social and broadcast outlets, underscoring how pivotal calls can shape a final’s storyline. [Source: GOAL Spain]
— GOAL Spain
— GOAL Spain (syndicated update)
Abraham and Gudelj incident
A collision near the half-hour mark involved Nemanja Gudelj and Tammy Abraham, where a mis-timed challenge raised questions about potential danger. The stoppage occurred while Abraham received medical attention, but the on-field officials deemed no foul warranted a formal punishment. The episode intensified debate about defensive challenges inside the box and how the referee managed physical duels during the heated moments of play. The discussion reflected broader concerns about protecting players in tight spaces and maintaining flow without compromising safety. [Attribution: Match reports and pundit discussions]
Fernando’s handball appeal in the Sevilla area
Late in regular time a cross from Nemanja Matic struck Fernando’s left hand in the Sevilla area. The hand looked slightly away from the body, yet Taylor decided there was not enough infringement to award a penalty. This moment stood as one of the night’s most hotly debated calls, provoking varied reactions from fans and analysts alike. The decision highlighted the fine line officials walk between natural arm movement and deliberate handling in crowded penalty areas. [Cited reaction: European football analysis outlets]
Who is Anthony Taylor, the referee of Sevilla vs. Roma in the 2022-2023 Europa League Final
Anthony Taylor, 44, had been an international official since 2013. In this campaign he oversaw two Europa League ties, including the Roma vs. Feyenoord knockout return, and he also managed six Champions League matches. His track record included pivotal decisions in prior European finals, making him a familiar figure for teams at the late stages of major tournaments. Before Budapest, Taylor had officiated a European clash for Sevilla in 2020, the UEFA Super Cup match against Bayern Munich that ended in a Bavarian victory. He also refereed a Basel vs. Sevilla fixture in 2016 that finished scoreless. In international finals, he had involvement in competitions such as the UEFA Nations League 2021 match between Spain and France. His assistants for the Budapest match were Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn from Britain, with Stuart Attwell serving as the VAR lead, aided by Christopher Kavanagh and Bastian Dankert. The final showcased a blend of high-stakes decisions and moments of debate that will keep discussions about refereeing in European finals alive, particularly regarding consistency in tightly contested matches. [Source: Official match records and contemporary analyses]
All coverage reflects consolidated match reports and ongoing reflections across football outlets. [Summary of post-match discourse across media]