In a heated moment during Liverpool‘s match with Arsenal, assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Andy Robertson got into a scuffle, resulting in Hatzidakis being suspended and investigated by the FA.
This resulted in “angry scenes” on the pitch and, according to Football Insider, in the home dressing room as the players sought to absorb a rare physical conflict between Robbo and the official.
Hatzidakis is bracing for any action that may be taken against him, while Liverpool staff and match officials will also be questioned as part of the investigation.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to be able to contribute to the investigation after admitting,
“I didn’t see it, 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.”
This incident comes after Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban for pushing a referee during a recent match against Manchester United.
The Premier League is not appointing Hatzidakis for any upcoming matches while the investigation takes place. A statement on Monday said:
“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.”
It’s unfortunate that players and officials are coming to blows on the pitch, with Bruno Fernandes also being criticized for a similar incident during a match between Manchester United and Liverpool.
Roy Keane, who was working as a Sky Sports pundit during the match, strongly criticized Robertson’s behavior towards the official. Keane, who is known for his volatile nature, said when asked if he had seen such an incident before:
“No, not really. But Robertson, do you know what, does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure, but he’s complaining. He should be more worried about his defending.”
He went on,
“Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what he is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer didn’t take lightly to Keane’s comments over Robertson. He reacted by claiming that it was hypocritical from the hot-headed former Red Devils captain.
“[I’m] all for everyone [having] an opinion but some I find hard to deal with. Find some opinions a bit rich to be honest but … optics,”
he tweeted.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be, but it’s clear that this incident is causing quite a stir in the world of English football.
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport.
My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it’s discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I’m always ready for a football conversation.
