PGMOL is investigating after an assistant referee was accused of elbowing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson during Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal.
Liverpool full-back Robertson approached Constantine Hatzidakis as the players left the field at half-time before Hatzidakis seemed to raise his arm in his direction.
Robertson was immediately outraged and appeared to claim he had been elbowed by the linesman.
Liverpool players urged referee Paul Tierney to address the issue before finally heading down the tunnel.
Replays of the incident were broadcast by Sky Sports showing the incident from multiple angles after it was not originally shown on the regular match feed.
Robertson reacted immediately and Hatzidakis continued to walk back to his colleagues before everyone involved left the field.
Sky Sports reported that Robertson was “absolutely apoplectic” and “stunned” as he walked down the tunnel before accusing Hatzidakis of “elbowing him in the throat”.
PGMOL confirmed to The Athletic that they will “review” the matter after the game.
A statement 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 game at Anfield.
“We will fully review the matter after the game is over.”
Hatzidakis is an experienced match official and has been a fixture in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League for a number of years.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp did not see the incident in real time.
“I know it happened but I didn’t see it,” he said after the game. “If it happens, the pictures will speak for themselves.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was left in disbelief at the footage.
“I’ve never seen an official elbow out a player,” he said on the TV show. “I think he’s going to be in a lot of trouble after this game ends.”
On the pitch, Liverpool fought back, two goals down, to draw 2–2 with Arsenal, with Roberto Firmino leveling after coming on as a late substitute.
(Photo: Sky Sports)