Official stood down after clash with Liverpool's Robertson
Liverpool's Andrew Robertson appeals to assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, Sunday April 9, 2023. Credit: AP/Nick Potts
LONDON — Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis has been stood down from officiating matches while the English Football Association (FA) looks into his clash with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson on Sunday .
The official appeared to raise his arm when colliding with Robertson during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees and assistants, said Monday that Hatzidakis had been taken off duty for now.
“PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
Sky Sports cameras zooming in on the confrontation showed Hatzidakis seemingly throwing up his arm and making contact with Robertson, who gesticulated that he had been hit by the official.
“I know it happened but I didn’t watch it,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Sunday. “If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves.”
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