Assistant referee who ‘elbowed’ Andy Robertson breaks silence over FA investigation

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis, who was accused of elbowing Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has spoken for the first time since Sunday’s match.

During Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, Hatzidakis was accused of elbowing Robertson in the chin after the final whistle sounded at Anfield.

Replays did show the linesman’s arm moving in the direction of the Scotsman’s face, but it is unknown whether he did that on purpose or he was simply reacting to Robertson trying to grab his arm.

PGMOL released a statement during the second half, it read: “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.”

On Monday, it was confirmed that Hatzidakis will not be appointed to any fixtures during the ongoing investigation.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Hazidakis has broken his silence over the incident.

Outside his home in south London, he said: “Whatever happens, happens. There is nothing more I can say at the moment. I can't talk about what happened.”

The head of referee charity Ref Support UK, Martin Cassidy has claimed that Hatzidakis has been punished enough.

He told BBC Sport: “It has been blown a little bit out of proportion.

“We should never advocate violence or match officials hitting anyone but it genuinely looks like Andy Robertson grabs him and Con pushes him to get off.

“They haven't suspended Andy Robertson. It is a little bit of an overreaction.”

Whilst former England striker Chris Sutton urged Hatzidakis to be banned.

He said: “There is a line.

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

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: “Nothing. I know it happened but I didn’t watch it. If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves. I have nothing else to say about it.”