A ban on the contentious linesman who appeared to elbow Andy Robertson during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal has been demanded by football pundits. After Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus’ early goals were cancelled out by Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the Reds and the Gunners had to settle for a point each in a enthralling 2-2 draw.
However, during halftime, though, a disturbing interaction between assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool’s Andy Robertson made headlines. Linesman Hatzidakis appeared to elbow the left-back in his throat in a furious reaction when the Scot approached to have a word with him post the half-time whistle.
‘8 game ban for the linesman’ – Pundit demands same punishment for linesman as Aleksandr Mitrovic for elbowing Andy Robertson
Just as referee Paul Tierney blew the halftime whistle, linesman Hatzidakis was approaching him while toting the ball. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson approached Hatzidakis and looked to grab the official as he crossed the pitch. However, Hatzidakis responded furiously to that and looked to move his elbow back in Robertson’s direction.
The three match officials were surrounded by Liverpool players as they tried to leave the pitch, while the Scotland captain was left infuriated. Hatzidakis and Tierney were argued with by Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, and Reds’ captain Jordan Henderson as they departed the pitch. To add to the anger of of Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, and Jota, Tierney then issued a booking to the Liverpool left-back.
Former England international Darren Bent instantly advocated for an eight-game suspension for Hatzidakis on Twitter, similar to the punishment given to Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic, for shoving and then abusing ref Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United last month. Bent tweeted:
“8 game ban for the linesman.”
Chris Sutton, a former Premier League striker who covered the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, believes Hatzidakis should be disciplined for the “unprecedented” response. He said:
“I really don’t know what he was thinking. As far as I can see, he has to be banned. 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?”
Meanwhile, the PGMOL have stated that they are aware of the situation involving Andy Robertson and Constantine Hatzidakis and will look into it. The statement from the referees’ organisation which was released mid-game, as soon as the incident occurred read:
“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. We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”
A thrilling tie between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield quickly rose to the status of a classic. Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners an early lead, and the winger later turned provider, setting up Gabriel Jesus for his side’s second goal. Mohamed Salah quickly pulled a goal back as the game was ignited by an incident involving Granit Xhaka and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Aaron Ramsdale pulled-off a string of incredible saves to preserve a point for the Gunners after Roberto Firmino’s late equaliser.