Assistant ref Hatzidakis cleared of intent after elbowing Liverpool’s Robertson

April 14 – Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will not face further disciplinary action for allegedly elbowing Liverpool’s Andy Robertson in the face.

Video replays appeared to show the official raise his arm toward Robertson, who had approached Hatzidakis after the halftime whistle during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Robertson was led away by teammates and received a yellow card.

Hatzidakis was stood down from duty while the English FA looked into matter including discussions with the body that appoints referees for matches, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL). But the governing body said there was no case to answer.

“We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action,” the FA said.

“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.”

In a statement released by the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), Hatzidakis said: “I look forward to returning to officiating matches. I fully assisted the FA with their investigation and have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation.

“It was certainly not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”

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