Referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect, saying the pressure of the job played a big part in his decision.
The 47-year-old ends a 20-year refereeing career after officiating 831 matches. His final game was Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16 at the World Cup on July 6.
Before becoming a full-time referee, Taylor worked as a prison officer.
He joined the Football League referees’ list at the start of the 2006/07 season.
Taylor was promoted to the Premier League in 2010, where he officiated 432 matches. He also took charge of every major domestic cup final in England.
Overall, he refereed 668 professional matches in English football.
