Premier League referee Constantine Hatzidakis is on a hiatus after video showed him extending his elbow towards Liverpool fullback Andy Robertson. The incident occurred at the end of the first half as Liverpool hosted Arsenal. The fiery game yielded eight yellow cards, including one to Robertson at the end of the first 45.
Robertson, unhappy with some of the decisions in the first half, approached Hatzidakis. The Scotsman spoke to the official and did grab out at him. However, Hatzidakis thrashed his elbow outwards. The irate Robertson was shocked, and he naturally expressed his frustration to teammates as they shepherded him away.
It is unclear based on the available video if the assistant referee’s arm hit Robertson. Yet, the attempt to make contact, or at least bump Robertson away, is clear.
As a result, Hatzidakis is under investigation from the FA and the Professional Game Match Officials Board, or PGMOL, the group that appoints officials to games throughout English soccer. The organization released a statement saying Hatzidakis is not going to officiate any games during the investigation.
“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.”
Robertson elbow from referee could lead to official’s sacking
While the suspension is one thing, the punishment may not stop there for Hatzidakis. According to former referee chief Keith Hackett, Hatzidakis could be out of work.
“Ultimately, if he is found guilty of this, his career is in jeopardy,” Hackett said. “I was trying to find an excuse as to why he did it and I came up with was he in fear? He shouldn’t be, because he’s in a protected environment with plenty of security.”
Robertson did not have any public comments after the game. However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp did say the incident will speak for itself.
“I know it happened, but I didn’t watch it,” Klopp said after the draw. “If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves.”
Liverpool’s next Premier League game is a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
