Taylor took far too long to show red

REFEREES seem to make more allowances for foul play in showpiece games and Anthony Taylor did that at Wembley on Saturday. When he reviews the game, Taylor will hopefully realise that he should have dismissed two players before he finally got the red card out. Everything seemed to centre on Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish. He was involved in every flashpoint. During the first half, Taylor was correct to caution Denis Odoi for a blatant foul on Grealish but was wrong not to dismiss Ryan Fredericks for stamping on the same player. Taylor may have been unsighted but his fourth official should have seen the incident and reported it. I expect a retrospective ban to cost the defender his Premier League debut when Fulham start their campaign in August. Then Grealish should have been sent off when flying into a late challenge on Tom Cairney. It was made at pace and he was off the ground and out of control. Taylor saw this one but settled for a yellow card. Finally, Taylor was left with no choice but to reduce Fulham to 10 men in the 70th minute when Odoi made a very high challenge, inevitably on Grealish, missed the ball and caught his opponent on the hip. It was probably worthy of a red card on its own but with Odoi on a caution, Taylor sensibly settled on a second yellow. Many fans appreciate the referee doing what he can to keep 22 players on the pitch, particularly in such important games. However, Steve Bruce will be reflecting on how differently the game might have gone had Taylor applied the law and sent off Fredericks.