Anthony Taylor's football club allegiance as referee set to take charge of Liverpool vs Man Utd

Anthony Taylor has been selected to referee the high-profile match between Manchester United and Liverpool, sparking some debate due to his Greater Manchester roots. Despite this, the 45-year-old is an avowed supporter of National League team Altrincham, holding a season ticket at Moss Lane for many years – rather than being a fan of either the Reds' rivals.

"Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan," the club's president Grahame Rowley told The Athletic. "Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can't go to all the matches. People around here always ask if you're a Red or a Blue. He's actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised."

According to PGMOL regulations, referees cannot officiate matches involving teams they support. Taylor is now preparing to take charge of his fourth Liverpool vs United game. His first encounter refereeing these two sides was in 2016, resulting in a goalless draw.

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Taylor's selection at that time also raised eyebrows, with ex-referees Mark Halsey and Keith Hackett questioning the decision to assign him the game. The former remarked: "The PGMOL are not helping themselves.

"If anything happens there will be questions about the appointment. I do not understand why Anthony Taylor has been given the Liverpool game against Manchester United and I do not think he should be doing it.

"There is a risk to his personal safety and that of his family after the game if something was to go wrong. That is not right. The fact he lives so close to Old Trafford means