Liverpool vs Arsenal: Premier League: During Liverpool’s match against Arsenal, assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Liverpool player Andy Robertson. After blowing the whistle for half-time, referee Paul Tierney gave Robertson a yellow card for protesting the incident. Follow Premier League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
Following the incident, several Liverpool players, including an angry Robertson, surrounded the official. During the commentary for Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher immediately asserted that the assistant referee had “elbowed” Robertson, who was visibly agitated.
A linesman elbows Robertson in the chin and it’s he who then gets shown a yellow. Ok. pic.twitter.com/vcKXwnVvyr
— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) April 9, 2023
Linesman elbow on Robertson!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 9, 2023
In a tweet, he wrote, “Linesman elbow on Robertson!” Upon reviewing the television replays, it seems evident that Hatzidakis hit the full-back. The PGMOL has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that they would initiate an investigation.
After having a heated conversation with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, the officials were jeered by the crowd as they left the field. According to Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, Robertson was furious when he entered the tunnel and accused the official of “elbowing him in the throat“.
However, Roy Keane had a different perspective on Robertson’s behavior, as he labeled him a “big baby” and suggested that he should focus on his defending instead.
During his rant, Keane stated, “Rather than complain about the incident, he should be more concerned about his defensive duties. That Robertson, I’ve observed him in many games. He’s nothing but a big baby.”
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL’s) Statement
The PGMOL issued a statement acknowledging the incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson during the half-time of the Liverpool vs Arsenal match at Anfield. They further confirmed that they would review the incident in its entirety.
When asked about the incident by Sky Sports, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp declined to comment and stated, “I am not aware of it. I did not witness it. If it indeed occurred, the visual evidence will provide a clear picture.”
Arsenal held a 2-1 lead at halftime, although they appeared shaky before the break. After Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored two goals, Mo Salah responded for Liverpool shortly after a heated moment between Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander-Arnold that stirred up the crowd.
Following the half-time whistle, referee Tierney was confronted by an irate Jordan Henderson, Diogo Jota, and the already-booked Alexander-Arnold.
Later in the match, Roberto Firmino’s header in the 87th minute leveled the score, and Liverpool pressed hard to find a winner, with Salah’s attempt saved by Aaron Ramsdale and Ibrahima Konate missing a close-range opportunity deep into stoppage time. Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Premier League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
