Jordan Henderson is deliberately provoking his Liverpool star teammates to raise them to new heights as the dust settles on another on-pitch row.
The longstanding club captain, 32, has been seen having heated exchanges with Alisson Becker and Trent Alexander-Arnold during the team’s last two matches.
Henderson forcibly called out Alisson during the midweek draw against Chelsea and his fury was then directed at Alexander-Arnold in the 2-2 thriller against Arsenal on Sunday.
The skipper has long been renowned for his vocal leadership and on-pitch drive.
One viewpoint is that Henderson’s ‘calling out’ of teammates immediately after flashpoints is proof of how low Liverpool have sunk and the deepening dressing room morale.
However, those who know the Anfield skipper say his forcible and provocative style is essential to the team raising and maintaining standards.
During the closing stages of the Chelsea match, a poor headed clearance from Joel Matip presented Joao Felix with a chance, but the orward failed to control his effort and fired well over.
In the immediate aftermath of that incident, a furious Henderson confronted Alisson, as the Liverpool captain appeared to accuse his goalkeeper of not communicating with Matip.
The Brazilian responded angrily and the pair were briefly in each other’s faces before Henderson walked away.
“Me and Henderson, we are two people who fight, who give our lives for their team,” he told ESPN Brasil. “And on the field there is no way to ask ‘please’.”
Days later, Henderson remonstrated forcibly with Alexander-Arnold following Arsenal’s second goal, appearing to be pointing out his teammates defensive lapse in the build-up.
The right-back responded angrily following what had been a desperate start to the game for Liverpool.
Intriguingly, both Alexander-Arnold and Henderson were outstanding after the latest flashpoint and were key to the team’s stirring fightback with their link-up and understanding on the right flank.
Refereeing body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) will investigate the heated flashpoint between Scotland captain Andy Robertson and linesman Constantine Hatzidakis.
At half time of the 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal furious scenes erupted when Robertson appeared to be elbowed by the official.
Sky Sports cameras captured the jaw-dropping incident at the break with Robertson and his team-mates stunned by the scenario.
Robertson was visibly raging as he left the field at the break and allegedly complained of being “elbowed in the throat” by the linesman at Anfield.
Now, PGMOL has confirmed an investigation into the incident will take place with a full review planned.
A statement from the refereeing body read: “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.”
PGMOL to investigate linesman ‘elbow’ on Andy Robertson in Liverpool vs Arsenal draw (Image: Sky Sports)
Refereeing body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) will investigate the heated flashpoint between Scotland captain Andy Robertson and linesman Constantine Hatzidakis.
At half time of the 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal furious scenes erupted when Robertson appeared to be elbowed by the official.
Sky Sports cameras captured the jaw-dropping incident at the break with Robertson and his team-mates stunned by the scenario.
Robertson was visibly raging as he left the field at the break and allegedly complained of being “elbowed in the throat” by the linesman at Anfield.
Now, PGMOL has confirmed an investigation into the incident will take place with a full review planned.
A statement from the refereeing body read: “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.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp suggested he didn’t catch the incident in real-time but was confident replays clearly highlight the flashpoint.
He said: “I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say more. I didn’t see a bit of it.”
Robertson reportedly told Sky Sports Geoff Shreeves he had been elbowed as he returned to the dressing room at half time.
The reporter explained: “Well, when they came into the tunnel at half-time I can tell you that Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic.
“He was stunned even. He said ‘he has just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman. The linesman has elbowed me in the throat’.
“Jordan Henderson the Liverpool captain was well aware of it, he led the demonstrations with referee Paul Tierney.
PGMOL to investigate linesman ‘elbow’ on Andy Robertson in Liverpool vs Arsenal draw (Image: Sky Sports)
Refereeing body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) will investigate the heated flashpoint between Scotland captain Andy Robertson and linesman Constantine Hatzidakis.
At half time of the 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal furious scenes erupted when Robertson appeared to be elbowed by the official.
Sky Sports cameras captured the jaw-dropping incident at the break with Robertson and his team-mates stunned by the scenario.
Robertson was visibly raging as he left the field at the break and allegedly complained of being “elbowed in the throat” by the linesman at Anfield.
Now, PGMOL has confirmed an investigation into the incident will take place with a full review planned.
A statement from the refereeing body read: “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.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp suggested he didn’t catch the incident in real-time but was confident replays clearly highlight the flashpoint.
He said: “I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say more. I didn’t see a bit of it.”
Robertson reportedly told Sky Sports Geoff Shreeves he had been elbowed as he returned to the dressing room at half time.
The reporter explained: “Well, when they came into the tunnel at half-time I can tell you that Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic.
“He was stunned even. He said ‘he has just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman. The linesman has elbowed me in the throat’:
“Jordan Henderson the Liverpool captain was well aware of it, he led the demonstrations with referee Paul Tierney.
“After that they got taken away. Extraordinary scenes.”
Gary Neville commented: “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.”
But Roy Keane took aim at Robertson over the incredible incident as he branded the Scotland captain a “big baby”.
“Does Robertson grab the linesman first?” he said. “I’m not sure but Robertson’s then complaining.
“He should be more worried about his defending. 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.”
Micah Richards added: “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.”