Scandal in England’s top game
Linesman gives Liverpool professional an elbow bump
4/9/2023, 8:23 p.m
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool slightly stumbles Arsenal in the race for their first championship in 19 years. The game offers the best entertainment and a top level. But one of the line judges causes a scandal at halftime.
Wild scene in the top game of the Premier League between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC: After the half-time whistle, linesman Constantine Hatzidakis elbowed Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson. Assistant referee Paul Tierney caught the 29-year-old on the chin.
After the final whistle of the first half, Robertson approached the linesman and apparently wanted to confront him, while Hatzidakis held him at bay with his right elbow, which he suddenly extended – albeit very questionably. The Scottish international reacted angrily, had to be held back by teammates, and wanted to complain to Tierney, along with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson – who, however, warned Robertson with a yellow card.
English Sky Sports commentator Roy Keane called Robertson a “giant baby” because of his reaction. “Robertson should be more concerned about his defense,” said Keane, who has not been a child of sadness himself in his career. “Just get on with the game. He grabs the linesman first.” Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted outraged: “Lineman’s elbow against Robertson!”
Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves said in the English broadcast that Robertson was “completely outraged, even stunned”. “He said, ‘The linesman just elbowed me in the neck.'” Gary Neville said he “had never seen an official raise an elbow at a player”. The ex-professional, who was a co-commentator, emphasized: “I think he’ll get in a lot of trouble after this game.”
Scene is examined
The referee association PGMOL wants to start an investigation into the incident. They are “aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time in the Liverpool v Arsenal game at Anfield,” the statement said. “We will look into the matter in detail after the game is over.”
Robertson should also be investigated further. If he is found guilty of assaulting the linesman, he faces a longer sentence. Fulham FC’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has recently been banned for eight games for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.
At half-time, Arsenal were leading 2-1 at Anfield. Gabriel Martinelli (8th minute) and Gabriel Jesus (28th) had given the Londoners the lead, Mohamed Salah (42nd) shortened the lead just before the momentous half-time whistle. After the break, the Egyptian initially missed the chance to equalize and missed a penalty. But Roberto Firmino (87th) got the points shared for Liverpool.