Liverpool vs Manchester United: Mancunian Anthony Taylor controversially appointed referee for crunch clash

Wythenshawe whistler, 37, handed clash between rivals for the first time in his refereeing career having not reffed a Reds league game in almost a year

ANTHONY TAYLOR has controversially been appointed the referee for Liverpool vs Manchester United.

The Wythenshawe whistler, 37, is from Greater Manchester and has not refereed a Liverpool game since a 1-0 League Cup win away at Stoke in January.

Taylor is know to be a fan of non-league side Altrincham where he lives – just SIX miles from Old Trafford.

The FA were under pressure last season from Everton fans to remove Taylor from the FA Cup semi-final between United and the Toffees.

And the clash will be the first Reds game that Taylor has reffed in the league in almost a year – since taking charge of a win over Swansea in November last season.

He has taken charge of seven Prem matches this season – dishing out 23 yellows.

And a selection of Liverpool fans were quick to lay into the decision on social media.

Considering Utd are starting a 12th man in Anthony Taylor the fans need to make the ground as intimidating as possible for Utd & officials.

— Steelo (@Coutskill) October 10, 2016

Anthony Taylor is a poor ref. A poor ref from Manchester. Why on earth is he going to be reffing the LFC vs MUFC game? –Jay @Jay82_LFC

Anthony Taylor from Manchester is to referee Liverpool v Manchester United in 7 days time? Surely that deserves a Telegraph investigation. –Ian @TROUBLEAGAIN09

Ben Cropper @croppersports
Anthony Taylor given #LFC vs #utd on Monday! Inconsistent and indecisive but allocated a top match. #FA need a reality check.

ㅤ @Pogbesque
Liverpool fans have already got their excuses ready for when they lose just because Anthony Taylor has been appointed the ref. Tragic. ???