Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will face no further action for elbowing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, say the Football Association.
The incident occurred just after the whistle blew for half-time during Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool players surrounded the officials as they headed down the tunnel as referee Paul Tierney handed Robertson a yellow card.
Robertson claimed that Hatzidakis ‘elbowed him in the throat’, according to Sky Sports’ touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves.
But the FA said in a statement on Thursday: ‘We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis.
‘We will be taking no further action. Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and the PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.’
Hatzidakis added: ‘I fully assisted The FA with their investigation and have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation.
‘It was certainly not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised. I look forward to returning to officiating matches.’
Roy Keane watched the incident as it unfolded on Sky Sports and questioned if Robertson had grabbed Hatzidakis first.
‘I’ve not seen anything like it really, But Robertson… does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure,’ Keane said.
‘But Robertson’s complaining. He should be more worried about his defending. I’ve watched Robertson a number of times and he is a big baby.’
Gary Neville added: ‘I’ve never seen an official raise an elbow to a player. I think he’ll be in a lot of trouble after this game ends.’
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