Andy Robertson, a defender for Liverpool, appeared to be hit by the assistant referee during their match against Arsenal, but Roy Keane called him a “big baby.”
In a thrilling game on Sunday at Anfield, Liverpool and Arsenal tied 2-2. Even while the action on the field was entertaining, something that occurred after the halftime siren threatens to eclipse everything.
Left-back for Liverpool After complaining to him, Robertson claimed that assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis elbowed him in the throat; as a result, Robertson was given a yellow card.
It was an unusual and unexpected occurrence that might have consequences. However, controversial Sky Sports analyst and former Manchester United captain Keane believes that Robertson should be examining himself.
During Sky’s coverage, Keane questioned: “Did Robertson grab the linesman first? Although Robertson seems to be whining, I’m not sure.
He ought to be more concerned about his defence. Do you understand who that Robertson is? I’ve seen him several times, and all that man is is a big baby.
“Just play the game and pay attention to your defending. The linesman is the one he grabs first.
PGMOL will investigate Andy Robertson altercation
Despite of Keane’s assertions, PGMOL, the organization that oversees referees, will look into the event.
The PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson during halftime during the Liverpool vs. Arsenal game at Anfield, according to a statement the organization released during the second half.
“Once the game is over, we will fully analyze the situation.”
Jürgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, later denied witnessing the incident but acknowledging that he was aware of what had allegedly taken place.
Robertson, who was playing in his 26th Premier League game of the year, ended up playing the entire 90 minutes of a thrilling game on Merseyside.
After Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored in the first 30 minutes, Liverpool was already two goals behind. Yet just before halftime, the hosts got one back thanks to Mohamed Salah.
Roberto Firmino ultimately tied the score for Jurgen Klopp’s team after Salah missed a second-half penalty. Ultimately, Aaron Ramsdale made a few incredible stops to help Arsenal maintain a point.
Liverpool star elbowed by linesman is unprecedented during match with Arsenal
Liverpool player was protesting at half-time when assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to throw his arm at the left-back
Given recent events, it would not surprisе me if it was fеar that caused assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis to react in the way he did towards Andy Robertson after the half-time whistle was blown against Arsenal.
The Liverpool defender approaches the match official from behind, making him unaware of his presence.
There appears to be contact between Robertson and Hatzidakis, and the assistant is trying to release himself by walking away from the Scotland international.
Players engaging in contact with referees has been in the news recently with Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic being found guilty of manhandling an official during their FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United last month.
The Serbian received an eight-game ban for his actions and there have also been instances of threats from players and managers to referees in recent years. I would not be surprisеd if this had a role in Hatzidakis acting unusually.
When you use your elbow as a wеapon, you clench your fist and Һit down to make an impact but Hatzidakis has pushed his elbow up towards Robertson in the same way you would squat a fly who was pestering you.
With that said, there is a basis in football that players are not allowed to touch a match official and it goes the same way with match officials towards players and footage appears to show Hatzidakis making contact with Robertson during the altercation.
Referees have attacked players in other leagues but the situation which occurred at Anfield is unprecedented in English football.
Therefore, given the circumstances it is important we do not judge this unusual situation before a full investigation is carried out which provides much-needed clarity.
It will no doubt have serious implications for Hatzidakis’ career should he be found guilty and just like a player, will receive a suspension.
I am sure the Professional Game Match Officials LTD (PGMOL) and the Football Association will use the referees report as well as every angle possible in the stadium before coming to a conclusion.