Refereeing body PGMOL have confirmed that linesman Constantine Hatzidakis will not officiate any fixtures whilst the FA continue their investigation into the incident involving Liverpool defender Andy Robertson. Hatzidakis appeared to elbow the Liverpool defender at half-time in Liverpool's 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
The Liverpool left-back was booked for his complaints, with Jordan Henderson remonstrating with referee Paul Tierney. Arsenal went into the break 2-1 ahead but were fortunate to leave Merseyside with a point after Jurgen Klopp's side pushed for a winner in the second half following Roberto Firmino's equaliser.
An initial statement from PGMOL read: "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."
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However, they made a further announcement on Monday which read: “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competition it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
Early goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal in control after half an hour, but the game quickly turned on its head following an incident involving Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander Arnold. Just a few moments after their bust-up, Liverpool pulled a goal back through Mohamed Salah before equalising with three minutes left to play.
The incident between Robertson and Hatzidakis caught the headlines despite action on the pitch proving to be one of the most entertaining fixtures this season. The Scotsman began pleading with the official over a decision that had gone against him in the first half, but saw his complaints shrugged off with Hatzidakis appearing to raise an elbow in the direction of Robertson's face.
Following the match, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane labelled Robertson as 'a baby' for his reaction to the incident. Keane said: "What’s he going over to him for and what’s he complaining for?
"I said at half-time, Robertson, what a big baby. What a big baby. Just get on with the game."
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