Anthony Taylor hails from Wythenshawe of Greater Manchester and started his refereeing career in the lower divisions of England, steadily making his way up through promotions.

He made his Premier League debut in February 2010, in the 1-0 victory of Fulham over Portsmouth. On 2 August 2015, he refereed the FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Chelsea. José Mourinho was furious at him last December, for not pointing to the penalty spot after Matt Targett tripped Cesc Fábregas in the box at Southampton and instead cautioning the Spaniard for simulation.

He earned his FIFA badge in January 2013 and in 2014-15 he was assigned UEFA Europa League matches for the first time.

Last season, the referee from England handled another Toumba match, as he was appointed for the UEFA Europa League group stage encounter of PAOK against Borussia Dortmund (1-1).

At Toumba Stadium he will be accompanied by his countrymen Gary Beswick and Lee Betts, the assistant referees, with Lee Mason, with Craig Pawson acting as fourth official.

Jacques Antenen of Switzerland will be the UEFA Delegate for this encounter and Italian Matteo Trefoloni the UEFA Referee Observer.