FA confirm NO action will be taken against linesman Constantine Hatzidakis for his ‘elbow’ on Andy Robertson as he insists ‘it was not my intention to make any contact as I pulled my arm away’ after apologising to Liverpool star
- Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to ‘elbow’ Andy Robertson
- The incident happened at half-time during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal
- He was taken off duty pending an investigation, but now won’t face any action
The FA will take no further action against the official who ‘elbowed’ Liverpool’s Andy Robertson during their 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend.
Constantine Hatzidakis has apologised to the Scotsman after he was shown raising his arm towards Robertson on the stroke of half-time on Sunday.
Hatzidakis’s elbow connected with Robertson’s face as the Scotland international approached him.
It was a remarkable incident, which prompted the PGMOL and FA to make it clear they would be investigating.
It is understood Hatzidakis spoke to PGMOL chief Howard Webb on Sunday night. He was devastated by what had happened and it was decided that he would not officiate in any games this weekend.
The FA have confirmed no action will be taken against assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis
Andy Robertson alleged he had been elbowed by the linesman at the end of the first half
Robertson (left) reportedly claimed he had been struck in the throat at half-time of the match
There were calls for the highly-regarded Hatzidakis to be banned but the 38-year-old has spoken to Robertson and apologised. After conducting their own discussion, the FA are satisfied that no further action needs to be taken
‘We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender and match official, and we will be taking no further action,’ read an FA statement.
‘Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.’
Hatzidakis said he looks forward to returning to matches, and his statement read: ‘I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation.
‘It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.’
Liverpool remonstrated with referee Paul Tierney after the alleged incident with the linesman
Hatzidakis (right) was originally taken off duty for this week’s games pending an investigation
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