During Liverpool’s Premier League match against Arsenal, left-back Andy Robertson claimed to have been elbowed by assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis. As Liverpool trailed 2-1 at half-time at Anfield, Robertson approached Hatzidakis, who appeared to raise his arm and strike the defender in the face. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson signalled to referee Paul Tierney that his teammate had been elbowed by the official, as Reds players furiously protested. Robertson was booked for his part in the matter, which is being investigated by the referees’ governing body.
Towards the end of the match, which finished 2-2, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement: “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.” No action was taken against Hatzidakis at the time and he officiated in the second half.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp kept his cards when asked about the incident after the match. Speaking to Sky Sports after the incident, Roy Keane had no sympathy for Robertson saying: “He should be more worried about his defending. Do you know what he is? That Robertson, I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what that guy is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took to Twitter to complain shortly after the incident, saying: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!” Robertson is adamant he was elbowed, and the matter is being investigated by the referees’ governing body.