linesman suspended for suspected elbowing of Liverpool player

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis, suspected of having nudged Andy Robertson (Liverpool) on Sunday April 9 in the Premier League, will be suspended until an investigation has established the facts. The incident happened at half-time in the match between Liverpool and Arsenal, as players from both teams returned to the locker room.

In footage broadcast by Sky Sports, linesman and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson can be seen approaching each other. The Scottish player, apparently unhappy with a refereeing decision, tries to grab Mr. Hatzidakis’ arm. The latter then raises his arm in the direction of the Scottish player and seems to elbow him on the left side.

According to a Sky reporter at the edge of the field, the Scottish captain immediately claimed that the linesman had elbowed him in the throat. In a press release, the body of professional referees officiating in English football (PGMOL) specifies Monday that it “will no longer nominate Constantine Hatzidakis for any match in any competition under his jurisdiction while the FA investigates this incident”.