Assistant referee Hatzidakis cleared over an elbowing incident at Liverpool. The Football Association won’t take any action against assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis for what they saw to be an elbow on Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.
Hatzidakis reacted after being confronted by Robertson during the incident, which happened shortly after halftime of Sunday’s Premier League match against Arsenal. Hatzidakis was suspended throughout the FA inquiry, but after speaking with and apologizing to Robertson, he has since been found not guilty and is now free to resume his career.
In response to the recent incident at Anfield involving Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and the match referee Constantine Hatzidakis, the FA announced that it will not be taking any further action.
As part of our thorough approach, we looked at in-depth statements from Liverpool and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd), as well as several video perspectives, in relation to the incident and its surroundings.
Assistant referee Hatzidakis cleared over an elbowing incident at Liverpool
On a Zoom call on Thursday, Hatzidakis is said to have apologized to Robertson; the Scotland international is said to have accepted the apology and his explanation of what transpired right away. The assistant referee’s handling of the situation and the leadership of PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb is also claimed to have pleased Liverpool.
When Sky Sports cameras zoomed in on the altercation, Hatzidakis appeared to put up his arm and make contact with Robertson, who motioned that the official had hit him. A furious Robertson was escorted away by teammates, and although he was later given a yellow card, Hatzidakis’ actions gained more attention.
Hatzidakis stated: “I completely supported the FA with their inquiry and have spoken directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive chat,” according to a statement released by PGMOL.
I’m sorry; I should have known better than to move my arm away from Andy with the goal of making any contact. I’m eager to start officiating games again.
