Andy Robertson assistant referee elbow claims to be investigated by PGMOL
By Tom Gott
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have confirmed that Constantine Hatzidakis, the official accused of elbowing Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, will be removed from any future fixtures while the incident is investigated.
After the half-time whistle was blown, Robertson went to confront Hatzidakis, who brushed off the Scot and appeared to catch him in the face.
Robertson and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson furiously reported the incident to lead referee Paul Tierney but their heated protests resulted in a yellow card for the left-back.
PGMOL quickly confirmed they will look into the incident.
"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," a statement read.
''We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded."
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Later on Monday, a second statement added: “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.”
After the game, manager Jurgen Klopp confessed he had not seen the incident live.
"I didn’t see it," he said. "Now obviously I have time to watch it but I didn’t, just because I cannot give you the answers. I didn’t see it. I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say anymore. I didn’t see a bit."
Asked whether the officials had attempted to explain the situation to either Klopp or Robertson, the boss continued: "No. They don’t come to us. If we have something we have to go to them, and I didn't want anything.
"I think there are some things we can talk about but they are not really helpful, but we had our issues with some referees."
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