Sources: FA write to Liverpool and officials over Robertson clash

By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

11th Apr, 2023 | 4:00pm

Sources: 'Angry scenes' in Liverpool dressing room amid big development today on Andy Robertson drama

The FA have written to Liverpool on Tuesday seeking their observations on Sunday’s altercation between Andy Robertson and assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis at Anfield, sources have told Football Insider.

Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Robertson as the Scotland captain remonstrated with him at half-time of the Reds’ thrilling 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

That led to “angry scenes” on the pitch in the immediate aftermath and, Football Insider understands, in the home dressing room as the players attempted to process a rare physical confrontation between player and official.

Hatzidakis was subsequently allowed to complete the game, with the PGMOL vowing to investigate further upon its completion.

They have subsequently suspended the 38-year-old, with a statement released on Monday reading: “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.”

The FA will now take charge of the investigation, and are seeking the views of Robertson, other Liverpool staff, and the match officials as they attempt to get to the bottom of the matter.

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The proceedings are sure to be heavily scrutinised coming so soon after English football’s governing body was forced to adjudicate on an incident which, in a reversal of Sunday’s events, saw a player lay hands on an official.

Earlier this month, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was handed an eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during his side’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It remains to be seen if Hatzidakis will face similar action from the FA, while the PGMOL could also decide to hand down its own additional punishment if deemed appropriate.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to be able to contribute to the investigation after admitting he did not see the incident in his post-match press conference.

“I didn’t see it,” the German told reporters. “Now obviously I have time to watch it but I didn’t, just because I cannot give you the answers. I didn’t see it. I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I cannot say anymore. I didn’t see a bit.”

In other news, the recruitment team at Liverpool have been left “embarrassed” by marquee signing.