Jack Taylor (referee)

John Keith "Jack" Taylor (born 21 April 1930) is an English former football referee, famous for officiating in the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final where he awarded two penalties during the first 30 minutes.

Refereeing career

Taylor served as a referee for 33 years, taking charge of more than 1,000 games, over 100 international fixtures played in 60 countries; Taylor first refereed at the FIFA World Cup in 1970, taking charge of a group game between Italy and Sweden. He was again selected for the 1974 tournament for which he became most noted (see below).

He took charge of several major club competition finals: Firstly, in 1966, when he officiated the FA Cup Final, followed by the 1971 European Cup Final between AFC Ajax and Panathinaikos, both staged at Wembley Stadium.

Taylor was inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame on 1 February 1999 in Barcelona.

1974 World Cup Final

Taylor was fortunate to be awarded the final between hosts West Germany and the Netherlands since there had been a nomination for Scotland's Bob Davidson to referee the final. However, at the 11th hour, Taylor's appointment was assured for the Munich-staged final.

After just a minute of play he created World Cup history when he awarded a penalty kick, the firstever awarded in a World Cup final. The Netherlands were given a penalty after Uli Hoeneß threw himself into a challenge just on the right edge of the German penalty area, felling Johan Cruyff; it was successfully converted by Johan Neeskens.

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