The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will not be punished for his apparent elbowing incident involving Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson during their match against Arsenal on Sunday.
The incident occurred during half-time when Robertson approached Hatzidakis and the assistant referee appeared to aim an elbow towards him.
The FA launched an investigation and suspended Hatzidakis from being assigned to any games until the investigation was completed. However, the governing body has now cleared the assistant referee of any wrongdoing.
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On Thursday, it was confirmed that the official would not face any further action, with a statement reading: “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.
“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.”
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Hatzidakis also released a statement via the PGMOL, explaining that he had apologised to Robertson and wanted to draw a line under the incident.
“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,” Hatzidakis said.
“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.
“I look forward to returning to officiating matches.“
