Calls for linesman to get EIGHT-GAME ban after appearing to elbow Andy Robertson

Football pundits have called for a ban on the linesman who appeared to elbow Andy Robertson during Liverpool vs. Arsenal, with Darren Bent suggesting a massive eight-game ban.

Liverpool and Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 at Anfield on Sunday as the title race hots up.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put the visitors two-up inside the first 28 minute, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino both scoring to earn their side a point.

But the game was marred by Constantine Hatzidakis as he's been alleged to have elbowed Robertson moments after match referee Paul Tierney blew for half-time.

Andy Robertson receives a yellow card. Image: Alamy

A shocking video shows the linesman elbowing Robertson as the Liverpool defender approached him after the first-half.

Referees' body the PGMOL say they will investigate the incident as they released a statement shortly after the controversial moment.

"PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time during the Liverpool v Arsenal fixture at Anfield," the statement reads." We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded."

In the meantime, pundits have called for action to be taken against Hatzidakis, with Bent asking for an eight-game ban.

He tweeted: "8 game ban for the linesman."

Chris Sutton is also pushing for a ban as he referenced Aleksandar Mitrovic, who received an eight-match ban for pushing a referee during Manchester United vs. Fulham.

"I really don't know what he was thinking. As far as I can see, he has to be banned," he added.

"He will have to sit out a number of games. I can't remember another incident like this. Where is the precedent for these things?

"A big debating point was Mitrovic and the eight-game ban and the FA want him banned for more but you can't have assistants throwing elbows. What should the punishment be?"

What punishment should Hatzidakis receive for appearing to elbow Robertson? Let us know.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Arsenal, Andy Robertson

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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