Constantine Hatzidakis says he’s prepared for whatever the outcome after allegedly elbowing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.
The assistant referee appeared to strike Robertson during half-time of the Reds’ 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Hatzidakis has been stood down from officiating while an investigation by the Football Association is being carried out. Speaking to the Daily Mail, at his south London home, Hatzidakis said: “Whatever happens, happens. There is nothing more I can say at the moment. I can’t talk about what happened.”
Video footage showed that Robertson was seemingly elbowed by Hadzidakis shortly after the half-time whistle went. It led to Robertson and several of his Liverpool team-mates remonstrating with referee Paul Tierney. Robertson, who was booked after the incident, reportedly said in the tunnel: ‘The linesman has just elbowed me in the throat’ per Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves.
A statement from the Premier League referees’ body, the PGMOL, said: “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves while the Football Association investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “I didn’t see it. Now obviously I have time to watch it but I didn’t, just because I cannot give you the answers. I didn’t see it. I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say anymore. I didn’t see a bit.”
Hatzidakis is understood to have reacted only after he felt that Robertson put his arm on him. Furthermore, it is believed that the linesman believed he was being verbally abused in the melee as the players and officials left the pitch.
It is the second incident involving officials and players over recent weeks after Aleksandar Mitrovic was banned for eight games after shoving referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has suggested that Hatzidakis could face similar punishment. “Players can push us officials to the limit,” he wrote in the Daily Mail.
“They can provoke to the point where you are probably tempted to give them something in return. But under no circumstances can we can respond. Certainly not physically.
“Hatzidakis did and there will now be a clamour for him to be banned, given Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic is set to miss eight matches for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh last month.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane gave a scathing verdict of Robertson’s involvement. “Robertson, do you know what, does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure, but he’s complaining,” Keane said. “He should be more worried about his defending.
“Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what he is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
Exclusive: Borussia Dortmund sitting on £84m offer from Liverpool for Jude Bellingham
In desperate need of midfield reinforcements, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have identified Dortmund and England’s Bellingham as their top target ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
And acting on their desire to bring the talented 19-year-old back to England, CaughtOffside sources have revealed that the Premier League giants have made their German rivals an offer of £84m (€95m).
We understand that Liverpool have yet to receive a response from Dortmund, with the Bundesliga side eager to receive additional proposals from other interested clubs between now and the summer.
And the agent’s revelation has since been backed up by sources close to both the player and Liverpool.
When asked if Bellingham would like to join Liverpool if the Reds’ offer ends up being accepted, our source said: “He could do. His family absolutely love Liverpool and their fans.”
Since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham, who has two years left on his deal, has directly contributed to 45 goals in 127 matches in all competitions