Andy Robertson was understandably ‘apoplectic’ in the words of Geoff Shreeves after assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow the Scot just after the half-time whistle.
The fullback’s furious words in the tunnel after being guide off the pitch were caught by the Sky Sports journalist as footage of the incident was reviewed in the studio.
“Andy Robertson was absolutely apoplectic, stunned even. He said, ‘he’s just elbowed me in the throat! The linesman has elbowed me in the throat!'” the reporter said. “Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool captain, is well aware of it. He led the remonstrations with referee Paul Tierney.”
PGMOL have since confirmed their intention to ‘review the matter in full’ (via a tweet from Melissa Reddy), though it’s difficult to see how the official in question will escape unscathed.
You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Sky Sports:
Did the assistant referee elbow Andy Robertson?!" 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CZQbDDDX0I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
Player pushes official banned official offence against player!!!!! PLEASE BE CONSISTENT
There is too much complaining by all sides to officials. Gather round the ref get a yellow if u do not disperse get a red. Only way to stop this nonsense. You don’t get this in rugby or women’s football men lack discipline, end this now or the game will die
My own opinion it looks like Robertson tried to grab the officials arm and he reacted by pulling his arm up and catches him around the throat area. If this happened in the street nothing would be said but because it’s on the TV the pc brigade are on one. Robertson moans in every match and I agree with Roy Keane he should concentrate on his defending
The main talking point after most games has been the officials and NOT the football. Why?
1. The Laws of the Game or their interpretations are inconsistent between referees.
2. Referees are not adhering to the laws. Lots of missed decisions (metres gained on free kicks and throw ins. Time well over 6 seconds with goalkeepers. Pushing and pulling. Preventing quick free kicks. Stamping used to be a red card. All kinds of simulation by players.)
3. Offside Law. Was good for over 100 years, now, with VAR, we are discussing millimetres and “interfering with play.” Why was it changed? . Some teams are deliberately placing a player offside with no intention to play the ball but be in a position to gain advantage from ongoing play. Return to the old interpretation and let the officials flag as soon as possible before any injuries are incurred.
4. VAR. Referees aid or players aid???
5. It should be used to get the correct decision. Often the correct decision is not given. Referees seem to be in collusion not to contradict each other, particularly with offsides or penalties. Too much time is wasted on reviewing offsides. Go back to the old offside law (no interfering clause) and leave it to the onfield officials, not VAR, and use the time for VAR to review other issues (fouls and simulations e.g.)
6. VAR should be used to highlight players actions that were missed by the referee with a view to take action retrospectively
7. VAR should be used to highlight missed decisions by referees with a view to take action retrospectively
8. Abolish VAR and give spontaneity back to the fans. When a goal is scored, celebrate , don’t wait for the review.
He laid hands on the ref ban him consistencey needed for goodness sake!
Yes the assistant probably should not have done what he did but I totally agree with what Roy keane said, Robertson should not act like a baby. The abuse players give to the officials is getting out of hand you do not have to be a professional lip reader to see what they say. Robertson is one of the worst. He can give it but can’t take it
Only the captain of a team should be able to approach the referee