The Premier League is investigating the online abuse directed at Anthony Taylor following his officiating of Chelsea’s victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, where he set a new record for cards shown in a single match.

Matchoutlook has seen some of the threatening messages targeting the 45-year-old referee and his family, which surfaced after Taylor issued 14 cards to players at the Vitality Stadium, plus two more to coaching staff, including Enzo Maresca.

In response, PGMOL, the referees' organization, has provided Taylor with its standard support. While Taylor won’t referee any games this weekend, he’s been assigned as the fourth official for two matches: Southampton vs Ipswich on Saturday and Brighton vs Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Some of the abuse Taylor received included violent threats, with one person writing that he "needs to be killed, and I’m not even joking," and calling for him to be "stoned to actual death." Another user made a chilling comment, saying, "Anthony Taylor, I will find your family." Others disturbingly rejoiced at the idea of Taylor and his loved ones being "found dead in their homes."

All incidents of abuse are reviewed, reported to the relevant social media platforms, and investigated. Legal action is taken when necessary. The Premier League monitors such cases through their dedicated reporting system.