Roberto Firmino speaks out on Andy Robertson elbow incident as linesman stood down
Published
| Last updated
.jpg)
Roberto Firmino spoke out after assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Liverpool defender Andy Robertson during the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The Gunners' title credentials were put to the test at Anfield. The league leaders took a comfortable two-goal lead inside half an hour through Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
However, Xhaka’s decision to clatter into Trent Alexander-Arnold off the ball ignited the Merseyside crowd, and Mohamed Salah claimed a goal just before the break to put Mikel Arteta’s men under pressure.
While Salah went on to miss a second-half penalty, Roberto Firmino's late equaliser reduced the Gunners' lead over Manchester City to six points, having played a game more.
In a match full of incidents the main talking point took place at the half-time interval after assistant referee Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Robertson in the face after being approached by the Liverpool full-back.
Loading…
The FA and PGMOL, the professional referees' body, immediately launched an investigation into the matter after footage emerged showing the linesman raising his arm in the direction of the Liverpool defender.
And PGMOL has now confirmed that Hatzidakis has been stood down from officiating duties while the investigation continues.
Firmino breaks silence on Robertson incident
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Liverpool attacker Firmino broke his silence on the incident.
The 31-year-old said: "I didn't get to see the move, but I saw that some teammates were talking about what happened. But I don't know what will happen.
“I don't know if he had the intention of attacking, but then it's the Premier League that (must) resolve with the club. It's not up to me. Because I didn't see it either.
"Yes (Robertson was irritated). I think he had contact, right? But I can't say anything because I didn't talk to him about it".
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made a similar comment after the match, insisting he had not witnessed the incident either.
"I didn't see it and I now have obviously time to watch it but I didn't just because I cannot give wrong answers," said Klopp.
"I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say more. I didn't see a bit of it."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Football, Andrew Robertson, Liverpool, Arsenal, Premier League, Roberto Firmino
.png)
