Linesman stood down for elbowing Andy Robertson as new statement made

The FA announced on Sunday that it would investigate the incident once the game, which ended 2-2, had finished. The PGMOL, which is the body in charge of referees, has said it will not appoint Hatzidakis to a game in any competition until the FA concludes its investigation. 

A statement read: “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.”

Robertson had furiously confronted Hatzidakis at half-time and appeared to touch the assistant referee to gain his attention. However, as Hatzidakis walked away he appeared to raise his elbow towards the Scotland international. The elbow appeared to strike Robertson in the throat.

Liverpool were incredulous over the incident and several of their players, including captain Jordan Henderson, confronted referee Paul Tierney to complain. However, They were told to return to the dressing rooms. 

Broadcast footage caught the incident and it was replayed towards the end of Sky Sports’ half-time coverage. Robertson had apparently been ‘apoplectic’ as he returned inside. 

Pitchside reporter Geoff Shreeves told Sky presenter Dave Jones: “Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic, stunned even. He said, ‘The linesman has just elbowed me in the throat’. 

“Jordan Henderson was well aware of it and led the remonstrations with referee Paul Tierney and after that they got taken away. Extraordinary scenes.”