The PGMOL have announced that assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis has been stood down from his duties while investigations continue into an apparent elbow on Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson.
The official appeared to move his elbow in the direction of Robertson's face at half time in Sunday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
Robertson had approached Hatzidakis as Paul Tierney's whistle blew, and the linesman clearly jolted his arm towards the left-back while walking away.
Robertson was left furious at the incident alongside other Liverpool players, who confronted referee Tierney as the Scotland international was booked for his protests.
The PGMOL released a statement during the game, affirming that they were aware of the incident and would be investigating the matter in full after the match had ended.
Neither Robertson nor Hatzidakis have been hit with any sanctions over the incident yet, but the latter has now been temporarily dropped from officiating as the PGMOL continues to review the bizarre altercation.
Did the assistant referee elbow Andy Robertson?!" 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CZQbDDDX0I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
"PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competition it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield," a statement from the organisation read.
When questioned on the incident after the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that he did not view the alleged elbow in real time, although he believed that the pictures 'spoke for themselves'.
"I didn't see it. I can't give wrong answers. But I've heard the pictures speak for themselves and I cannot say more. I didn't see a bit of it," Klopp told Sky Sports News.
Footage of the incident divided opinion between fans and pundits, with former Manchester United man Roy Keane questioning whether Robertson had grabbed hold of Hatzidakis first while labelling the Liverpool man a "big baby".
"Does Robertson grab the linesman first? I'm not sure but Robertson's then complaining. He should be more worried about his defending," Keane added.
"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."
Liverpool came back from two goals down to rescue a point against the Gunners, leaving them eighth in the table ahead of next Monday's clash with Leeds United.
Ben Knapton
