The body responsible for Premier League match officials has announced it will investigate after an assistant referee appeared to elbow Liverpool’s Andy Robertson during Sunday’s draw with Arsenal.
Liverpool recovered from 2-0 down to dent Arsenal’s title hopes in a thrilling game at Anfield, with Roberto Firmino heading a late equaliser to deny the Gunners a crucial win.
The match was played out in a fierce atmosphere, and the end of the first half saw a bizarre altercation between linesman Constantine Hatzidakis and Reds left-back Robertson.
As Robertson spoke to the official, television pictures seemed to show Hatzidakis raise his right elbow and make contact with the Scotland international.
According to Sky Sports, Robertson alleged the official had elbowed him in the throat upon entering the tunnel at half-time, with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson reportedly complaining to referee Paul Tierney.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for referees, vowed to examine the incident.
In a widely reported statement issued shortly before full-time, the body said: “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.”
Liverpool’s draw means Arsenal’s lead over title rivals Manchester City stands at six points, though Pep Guardiola’s champions have a game in hand and will host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium later this month.
Watch video below
Andy Robertson being elbowed by the assistant referee 😳😳😳 #liverpool #arseanl #football #awaydays #awayfans #andyrobertson #andyrobertsoneelbowed pic.twitter.com/Hpr1GJUSfU
— The Away Day Page (@TheAwayDayPage) April 9, 2023
Video of assistant referee elbow on Liverpool Andy Robertson. pic.twitter.com/oMq81oHpoa
— DreAnyWeather Sports (@any_dre) April 9, 2023