Referee’s assistant Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Andy Robertson in the face as tempers flared in the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
The pair came together as the half-time whistle blew and Robertson reacted furiously after being caught by Hatzidakis’ flying arm.
Sky Sports’ touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves explained: “When they came into the tunnel at half-time, Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic. Stunned, even. He said, ‘He’s just elbowed me in the throat. The linesman has elbowed me in the throat’.
“Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool captain, was well aware of it. He led the remonstrations with referee Paul Tierney. And after that they got taken away. Extraordinary scenes.”
Did the assistant referee elbow Andy Robertson?!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023pic.twitter.com/CZQbDDDX0I
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane had little sympathy for Robertson. “He should be more worried about his defending,” he said.
“Do you know what he is? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. Just get on with your game and concentrate with your defending.”
Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards added: “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
PGMOL, the body in charge of referees, said: “PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time during the Liverpool v Arsenal fixture at Anfield. We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”
Liverpool had clawed their way back into the game after a sloppy start, with Mo Salah scoring several minutes before half-time after Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had put Arsenal 2-0 up.
The hosts had barely looked like threatening a goal until an altercation between Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander-Arnold got the home crowd roaring and appeared to spark their revival.
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