FA pays tribute to refereeing great

Taylor took charge of more than 1000 matches but will mainly be remembered for officiating the 1974 World Cup climax which saw West Germany come from behind to beat Netherlands 2-1 on home soil.

Taylor memorably awarded a penalty to the Dutch in the opening minute before the Germans came back to win the title.

He also refereed the 1966 FA Cup Final and the 1971 European Cup Final.

FA Chairman David Bernstein paid warm tribute to his achievements.

"On behalf of The FA, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Taylor. I know that he will be missed by many at Wembley, particularly those in our refereeing department.

"Jack was a leading light for English football across the world, and his professionalism helped take refereeing to a new level. To have achieved a hat-trick of FA Cup, European Cup and World Cup finals demonstrates his high standing in the game, and he continued to make a strong contribution to football after hanging up his whistle."

David Elleray, Chairman of the FA Referees' Committee, said: "The refereeing world is desperately sad to hear of Jack Taylor's death.

"Jack was an inspiration for me and many thousands of referees in England and across the world.

"Always modest and self-effacing, Jack was a true gentleman and his passing will be sorely missed by the football world."

Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, added: "I am extremely sad to hear of Jack Taylor's passing and send my sympathies to his wife, other family members and friends.

"Jack was one of English football's finest ambassadors who reached the pinnacle of refereeing and, until his very last days, continued to help the development of young referees."