Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis elbowed Andy Robertson in the face after the first half of Liverpool vs Arsenal.
Andy Robertson approached assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis after half-time. But the Liverpool player was suddenly hit by the referee with an elbow in the face.
Robertson was even shown a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney for his involvement in the incident. Captain Jordan Henderson approached the referee team to discuss the incident afterwards.
Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves reported: “Andy Robertson was really standing still, even stunned. He said that ‘the line umpire hit my throat with his elbow’. Jordan Henderson learned of the incident and protested to referee Paul Tierney after the two sides were separated. A special sight.”
After the game, coach Klopp admitted he did not see the incident: “I knew it happened but didn’t see it. If it happens, the photos will speak for themselves.”
The Premier League Arbitration Committee (PGMOL) and the Football Association (FA) are both investigating the incident. A statement was recently released: “PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time of the Liverpool vs Arsenal match at Anfield. We will evaluate the case in detail when the match is over.”
Former player Roy Keane had a keen eye and pointed out that Robertson had grabbed the front lineman’s shirt. However, reacting by elbowing is certainly wrong and could result in Mr. Hatzidakis receiving a heavy penalty.