Premier League referee Anthony Taylor makes ‘great decision’ by overturning red card on player’s birthday

Premier League official Anthony Taylor gave Raphael Veiga a birthday present by overturning a red card against the Palmeiras midfielder at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.

Veiga showed his disbelief when Taylor sent him off for a challenge on winger Zizo that looked rash rather than malicious with half-time approaching in the Brazilian club’s Group A game against Egyptian side Al-Ahly in New Jersey.

Taylor consulted a pitchside monitor before announcing the punishment would be reduced to a yellow card on Veiga’s 30th birthday.

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Palmeiras vs Al Ahly: Veiga red card ‘unlucky’

“Anthony Taylor was very well placed,” former Sweden defender Jonas Olsson told DAZN. “The tackle is at full speed and maybe his foot was too high.

“He catches the ball but you have a responsbility when you tackle at that speed, with where you put your foot as well. He catches him.

“It’s studs up and his foot is high up. He tries to pull out but it’s at high speed, his foot is straight and his studs are up. He’s unlucky to catch him.

“I like [the review] because there’s no big intent to catch him. When the impact is done, there’s not a lot of pace left in that sliding tackle, so to speak.

“It’s a good call. He doesn’t catch him with a pace or lack of control that deserves a red card. If the player is standing and it hits him high up, it’s different. In the end, it was a good call.”

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Anthony Taylor: Club World Cup decision ‘right’

Portugal legend Jose Fonte and revered former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given also agreed with Taylor. “It was a great decision,” said Fonte.

“We are all glad we all have VAR in this situation. He precipitated himself in the first instance to give the red card but VAR helped him make the right decision.

“In real time, it looks reckless. With VAR and in slow motion, you can see the tackle skimmed the foot.”

Given called the tackle “strange”. “He was close to the action,” added the ex-Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa player said of Taylor.

“It’s the right decision and VAR is a comfort blanket for referees. We want the right decision and he made it.”

The game remained 0-0 at half-time, meaning there had been no goals in the first 225 minutes of the tournament in Group A. Veiga was substituted at the break.

How to watch the Club World Cup: Live stream, TV channel in UK

Live coverage of 40 of the matches is on DAZN, with 23 on Channel 5. DAZN Subscribers or Freemium member can tune in as part of their existing membership, while non-subscribers can register for a free account to start watching.

Fans can watch on the go via the DAZN App on smart TVs, phones, tablets, games consoles and streaming devices.