Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will not be allowed to officiate in any matches while he is being investigated for allegedly elbowing Liverpool’s Andy Robertson.
The incident took place just after the half-time whistle during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
Constantine Hatzidakis could be seen reacting after being confronted by Robertson.
Sky Sports cameras appeared to show him throwing up his arm and making contact with Robertson, who gesticulated that he had been hit by the official.
Robertson was then led away by his teammates.
A statement from Premier League referees’ body the PGMOL read: “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves whilst the FA (Football Association) investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
While Robertson received a yellow card in the aftermath it is Hatzidakis’s actions that will come under closer scrutiny.
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‘I’ve never seen anything like that in my life’
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he did not see the incident, but the Sky Sports pundits working on the game reacted with incredulity.
Gary Neville, the former Manchester and England full-back, said: “I’ve never seen an official raise an elbow to a player. I think he’ll be in a lot of trouble after this game ends.”
Ex-Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards added: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.”
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane focused on Robertson’s role, calling the Scot “a big baby”.
“He should be more worried about his defending,” said Keane. “Do you know what he is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times, he is a big baby, that’s what that guy is.
“Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
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The PGMOL issued a statement on Sunday saying: “The 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.”
