Premier League ref Anthony Taylor returns to England from the Euros - after thousands of fans signed a petition demanding a replay of Germany vs Spain - as he looks set to be overlooked for the final

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Anthony Taylor has returned to England, with Italy’s outgoing Daniele Orsato set to take charge of the Euro 2024 final.

The Premier League official has been slated by irate fans of Germany after he turned down appeals for a penalty in their quarter-final defeat to Spain, with 32,000 signing a petition calling for him to be reprimanded and the match replayed.

However, Mail Sport understands his departure from the country is down to the slim likelihood he would be chosen for the Berlin showpiece thanks in no small part to England’s progression to the semi-final.

While no final decision has been made Orsato, who oversaw the Three Lions’ victory over Switzerland, is thought to be in pole position. 

The 48-year-old, a FIFA referee since 2010 who took charge of the 2020 Champions League final, is set to retire after the competition. 

Anthony Taylor enraged Germany fans after not awarding them a penalty in their loss by Spain

Jamal Musiala's shot struck the hand of Spain's Marc Cucurella in the penalty box in extra time

Premier League referee Taylor has now returned to England after his work at the tournament

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Poland’s Szymon Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup Final, is also in the frame.

Taylor has been the subject of substantial online abuse after he refused to give handball against Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in a match Spain won 2-1 after extra-time, sending the tournament hosts packing.

However, reports in Germany that he ‘fled from the scene’ following the game are thought to be wide of the mark. 

Sources have disclosed that while Germany’s assistant coach did enter the referee’s room to seek an explanation – and was subsequently given one – there was not a furious row or a series of insults from Sandro Wagner. 

Italian name Daniele Orsato is the favourite to take charge of the Euro 2024 final on July 14

Szymon Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final, is another name in the frame

Instead, a calm discussion was held with Taylor departing after he showered.

UEFA later backed Taylor’s decision, on the grounds that Cucurella’s hand was not in an unnatural position.