Ref apologised to Mourinho for Fabregas booking

It is being reported that Anthony Taylor, the referee who controversially booked Cesc Fabregas for simulation at the weekend, apologised to Chelsea manager José Mourinho for the booking.

Mourinho was incensed when Fabregas was shown a yellow card for diving and denied a penalty during Sunday’s match against Southampton, despite replays seeming to show the Chelsea midfielder being tripped by Matt Targett.

In his post-match interview the Chelsea manager described the decision as a “scandal” and suggested there was a “campaign” to prevent his side getting penalties.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Daily Mail today reported that the referee spoke to Mourinho before they left the ground on Sunday evening and apologised to him for the decision.

There has been a mixed reaction to news of the apology.

Ref.Anthony Taylor #apologised to Mourinho for booking Fabregas for diving instead of awarding penalty. Does that correct the error? NO!#CFC

— Rose (@Roseangel929) December 30, 2014

So Anthony Taylor bowed to pressure from Jose Mourinho and actually apologised for a decision. Since when did a ref have to apologise?

— Gary (@GazzDMUFC) December 30, 2014

Anthony Taylor has apologised to Cesc & Jose and the linesman thought it was a pen but was overruled - what a farce ! pic.twitter.com/jPmCjSY5we

— Chris Mears (@ChrisMears1) December 30, 2014