During Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, an incident occurred that left the Sky Sports studio in stitches. Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Liverpool’s Andy Robertson in the throat during half-time, causing the full-back to leave the field furious. Referee Paul Tierney then gave Robertson a yellow card for his protestations after blowing up for half-time. The PGMOL confirmed that they will launch an investigation into the incident, with some fans calling for Hatzidakis to get an eight-match ban. However, Manchester United legend Roy Keane had a different opinion.
Working as a pundit for Sky Sports alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, Keane had his colleagues crying with laughter as he gave his verdict. When asked if he had ever seen anything like it before at half-time, he replied: “No, not really. But Robertson, do you know what, does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure, but he’s complaining. He should be more worried about his defending. Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what he is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
Later on in the show after the full-time whistle, Keane added: “What’s he gone over for and what’s he complaining for? I said at half time, Robertson what a baby, a big baby. Just get on with the game. Baby.” This led to a huge outburst of laughter from his fellow pundits.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked his thoughts about the incident, to which he responded: “Nothing. I know it happened but I didn’t watch it. If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves. I have nothing else to say about it.”
The incident has caused controversy among fans, with some calling for Hatzidakis to be punished for his actions. However, Keane’s comments have sparked a debate about whether Robertson was in the wrong for grabbing the linesman first. While some may agree with Keane’s assessment of Robertson as a “big baby”, others may argue that the incident was unprofessional and should not be dismissed so lightly.
Regardless of opinions, it is clear that the incident has caused a stir in the football world and will continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming days.