PGMOL release statement as linesman Constantine Hatzidakis accused of elbowing defender Andy Robertson in Liverpool 2-2 draw with Arsenal
The assistant referee was accused of elbowing the left-back at half-time.
Liverpool launched a late surge to claw Arsenal back to a 2-2 draw at Anfield in the Premier League. However, the game itself (apart from Ramsdale’s heroics) was not the talking point, but instead an incident at half-time, in which linesman, Constantine Hatzidakis, was accused of elbowing the left-back, seconds after the whistle went.
Various videos have been shared across social media and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the referee’s association, has released a statement confirming the incident in which the Liverpool defender insisted the assistant referee had struck him in the throat. It read: “PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time during the Liverpool vs Arsenal fixture at Anfield. We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”
Robertson was reportedly ‘stunned’
UK broadcaster Sky Sports had Geoff Shreeves, a pitchside reporter on duty at Anfield, who said: “Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic, stunned even.” Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said “I know it happened but I didn’t watch it. If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves.”
Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher certainly thought there was an elbow on the player, and he tweeted instantly, saying “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”
Linesman elbow on Robertson!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 9, 2023
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
The game was a tense affair with individual battles across the pitch playing a significant role in proceedings. But the duels did nothing to slow the pace of the match as Arsenal raced to a 0-2 lead, and looked certain to put an end to their decade-long winless run at Anfield. But Liverpool clawed them back with a goal from Salah, until it seemed like a missed penalty from the Egyptian was going to sentence The Reds to a rare home defeat.
But Firmino popped up late on to get a point for Jürgen Klopp’s side, and Aaron Ramsdale made two incredible saves in the space of two minutes in added time to make sure Arsenal left Anfield alive. The draw leaves The Gunners just four points ahead of Manchester City with a trip to The Emirates on the horizon for Guardiola’s side. Liverpool, for their part, stay in 8th place.