“I look forward to returning to officiating matches.”
Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will not be punished following his ‘elbow incident’ with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson.
The Scottish left back had confronted the linesman during his side’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, and the match official appeared to throw an elbow that connected with the player.
Hatzidakis was initially suspended while the investigation was ongoing, but after successfully meeting and apologising to Robertson, no further action will be taken.
“We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action,’ read an FA statement.
“Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd), as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”
In a statement issued by PGMOL, Hatzidakis said: “I fully assisted the FA with their investigation and have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation.
Did the assistant referee elbow Andy Robertson?!" 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CZQbDDDX0I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
“It was certainly not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.
“I look forward to returning to officiating matches.”
Liverpool’s next game is against Leeds at Elland road and will be shown live on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports.
Despite doing well to come back from 2-0 down against the league leaders, The Reds haven’t won a match since their 7-0 thrashing on Manchester United.
Related links:
- Roy Keane leaves pundits in hysterics with Andy Robertson comment
- Roy Keane labels Andy Robertson “big baby” as linesman clash investigated
- Andy Robertson accuses linesmen of ‘throwing elbow’ in Arsenal game
- Jurgen Klopp gives in during press conference and talks about Jude Bellingham
