LONDON: Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis is probably not fascinated about any fits whilst the Soccer Affiliation examine whether or not he elbowed Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson. The bizarre incident befell simply after the half-time whistle were blown all the way through Liverpool’s explosive 2-2 draw towards Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Robertson perceived to confront Hatzidakis at the pitch, achieving to grasp the arm of the professional, who reacted by way of jabbing his elbow against the Liverpool left-back.
Robertson gesticulated that he were hit by way of Hatzidakis whilst the irate Scotland captain used to be led away by way of team-mates, simplest to obtain a yellow card within the aftermath of the atypical incident. Hatzidakis is beneath FA scrutiny for his function within the row and can be sidelined till the governing frame’s probe is entire. A remark from Premier League referees’ frame the PGMOL learn: “PGMOL is probably not appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves while the FA (Soccer Affiliation) investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
Keith Hackett, previously head of the PGMOL, advised BBC Radio 5 Reside: “In the end, if he’s discovered accountable of this, his profession is in jeopardy. “I used to be looking for an excuse as to why he did it and I got here up with used to be he in concern? He shouldn’t be, as a result of he’s in a secure setting with quite a lot of safety. “However he reacted in some way that he shouldn’t have reacted on the finish of the day and right here we’re speaking a few fit professional and now not a choice, however an motion by way of a fit professional—and he’s obviously misplaced his composure.”
‘Large child’ Some other former top-flight referee, Mark Halsey, put the highlight on Robertson’s behaviour however admitted a ban is the in all probability punishment for Hatzidakis if he’s confirmed to have dedicated an offence. Writing in The Solar, Halsey drew a parallel with Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who used to be just lately banned for 8 fits for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. “To me, it looks as if Robertson is going to grasp Hatzidakis, who brushes him off together with his arm and catches him by accident,” Halsey mentioned. “I can’t assume why an assistant would throw his hands right into a participant’s face.
Positive, from one digital camera perspective it does now not glance excellent. However it’s a must to ask why has Robertson long gone to manner the assistant referee? “I’ve heard other folks say that is the tip of the linesman’s profession however, identical to Aleksandar Mitrovic, it’s his full-time task. Alternatively, if he’s confirmed accountable and did deliberately use his elbow then he’ll face the similar penalties because the Fulham frontman.” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp mentioned he didn’t see what had took place, however Sky Sports activities pundits running at the sport reacted with incredulity.
Gary Neville, the previous Manchester and England defender, mentioned: “I’ve by no means noticed an professional carry an elbow to a participant. I feel he’ll be in numerous hassle after this sport ends.” Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane taken with Robertson’s function within the incident. “He must be extra frightened about his protecting,” mentioned Keane. “Have you learnt what he’s, that Robertson? I’ve watched him quite a few instances, he is a large child, that’s what that man is.”- AFP