FA to take no further action regarding linesman who allegedly elbowed Andy Robertson

The Football Association will not be taking any further action regarding the incident between Constantine Hazidakis and Andy Robertson.

During last Sunday's match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield, Robertson accused linesman Hatzidakis of elbowing him in the chin after the half time whistle was sounded.

Replays showed that the linesman did move his arm towards the direction of the Liverpool man, but it was unclear whether he did so on purpose or not.

Hatzidakis was placed under investigation after a statement from PGMOL, which said: “PGMOL is aware of an incident at half-time during the Liverpool v Arsenal fixture at Anfield. We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”

Earlier in the week, it was announced that Hatzidakis will not be appointed to any fixtures during the investigation by the FA.

However, the FA have announced that no further action will be taken.

A statement from the FA said: “We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action.

“Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and the PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”

Whilst Hatzidakis said: “I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation. It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”

FA to take no further action after reviewing all of the evidence in relation to the incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis.

— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) April 13, 2023

Prior to the decision from the FA, the incident between Hatzidakis and Robertson has been the talk of the town.

Former players and pundits have been airing their views on the matter.

During the aftermath of the match between Liverpool and Arsenal, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane branded Robertson as a baby.

He said: “Robertson, do you know what, does he grab the linesman first? I'm not sure, but he's complaining. He should be more worried about his defending.

“Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I've watched him a number of times. He's a big baby. That's what he is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”

Whilst former England striker Chris Sutton said: “There is a line.

“The assistant crossed it in that moment and will probably serve a suspension.”