Linesman Accused of Elbowing Robertson in Liverpool-Arsenal Match, Investigation Underway.
Andy Robertson of LIVERPOOL appeared to be elbowed by assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis during his team’s heated match against Arsenal.
Referee Paul Tierney then cautioned the Scottish player for his protests AFTER the halftime whistle.
Subsequently, Liverpool players, including a furious Robertson, surrounded the official.
And Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher quickly claimed that an irate Robertson was “elbowed” by the assistant referee.
“Linesman elbow on Robertson!” he tweeted.
Television replays appeared to show Hatzidakis colliding with the fullback, and the PGMOL has confirmed it will investigate the incident.
The crowd booed the officials after they exchanged harsh words with Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who protested his teammate’s case.
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As Robertson entered the tunnel, according to Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, he was enraged and accused the official of “elbowing him in the throat.”
Roy Keane viewed Robertson negatively, calling him a “big baby” and advising him to “focus on his defending.”
The Irishman fumed, “He ought to be more concerned with his defense.” Do you recognize him? I’ve observed Mr. Robertson several times. He’s a big baby. “That’s exactly what he is,”
The PGMOL confirmed in a statement that they were “aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson during halftime of the Liverpool vs. Arsenal match at Anfield.”
The statement went on to say that they would “completely review the incident.”
When asked by Sky Sports what he thought about what transpired, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp responded, “Nothing. I am aware of the event, but I did not watch it. If the event occurred, the photographs will speak for themselves.”
Gary Neville asserted that the incident was “not that terrible.”
Chris Sutton, a former England international who played alongside Neville, demanded that Hatzidakis be banned.
He stated on BBC 5 Live, “I honestly have no idea what he was thinking. From what I can tell, he must be banned.
“He will be forced to miss several games. I cannot recall another similar incident. Where is the precedence for such conduct?”
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Arsenal led 2-1 at halftime despite appearing to be in trouble before the break.
Mo Salah scored the equalizer for the hosts after Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander-altercation Arnold’s ignited the crowd. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had previously given the visitors a 2-0 advantage.
After the halftime whistle, Henderson, Diogo Jota, and Alexander-Arnold, who had already been cautioned, aggressively surrounded the referee, Tierney.
As a result of Rob Holding’s foul inside the penalty area, Liverpool was awarded a penalty kick following the halftime break.
Salah’s penalty kick, however, missed the goal by a wide margin.
Roberto Firmino’s 87th-minute header helped the Reds eventually tie the game.
This set the stage for a frantic finish, with Liverpool failing to find a winner, Salah being denied by Aaron Ramsdale, and Ibrahima Konate inexplicably failing to score from close range late in stoppage time.
The 2-2 draw gives Arsenal a six-point lead over Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s squad has a game in hand.
On April 26, Arsenal will travel to City for a massive title showdown at the Etihad.
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