The PGMOL has said that they are aware of the incident between linesman Constantine Hatzidakis and Andy Robertson and will conduct an investigation into it.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) issued a statement during the second half of the 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal. It 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 and Arsenal drew a thrilling match at Anfield in one of the most important games of the season. The Gunners took the lead early on thanks to Gabriel Martinelli, who then assisted Gabriel Jesus for the second goal.
However, an incident involving Granit Xhaka heated up the game, and Mohamed Salah quickly equalized. He then missed a penalty to equalize. Late in the game, Roberto Firmino finally grabbed the equalizer. It was then that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a series of crucial saves to earn the Gunners a point.
But the most surprising incident was when Andy Robertson was seemingly elbowed by the linesman after the halftime whistle.
What happened between the referee and Andy Robertson?
Linesman Constantine Hatzidakis was moving the ball toward referee Paul Tierney shortly after he blew the half-time whistle. Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson approached Hatzidakis and seemed to grasp him as he moved across the field.
Hatzidakis, on the other hand, responded aggressively, moving his arm back in what seemed to be an elbow at Robertson’s face.
The Scotland captain was enraged, and Liverpool players surrounded the three match officials as they sought to leave the field. As Hatzidakis and Tierney exited the pitch, Robertson, Diogo Jota, and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson argued with them. Tierney then booked the Liverpool left-back, to the dismay of Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, and Jota.
Just Scotland Capitan Andy Robertson getting elbowed (and booked for it) by the linesman.
— Stephen Bissett (@stephebissett) April 9, 2023
Nothing to see here. pic.twitter.com/i6jFpQIOq9
A member of Liverpool’s coaching staff eventually escorted the four away. Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool player, and Sky Sports co-commentator was the first to see what had happened. He quickly tweeted: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”
Robertson was fuming as he went back to the dressing room. The Scot was reportedly heard saying, “He’s just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman has elbowed me in the throat.”
What is the PGMOL going to do next?
The PGMOL issued another statement on Monday announcing that the assistant referee would not be assigned to any games. This ban would stand while The Football Association’s inquiry is continuing.
The PGMOL body, which governs referees in English football, has said it is investigating the incident between linesman Constantine Hatzidakis and Andy Robertson. pic.twitter.com/XLGXNqHl4P
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
It said, “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
The FA has been encouraged to take strong action since match officials are responsible for preserving the laws and the values of the game. It remains to be seen what the investigation unfolds.
