Liverpool: Hatzidakis crossed big line elbowing Andrew Robertson in the face

Andrew Robertson’s eyes were wide open as Mohamed Salah tried to lead him away. He had the kind of look you’d expect from someone who’d just been robbed for sports—the shock, the disbelief—when the realization set in.

“He just elbowed me!” Robertson barked at Salah. His anger would have been plausible if he had been hit on the chin by an opponent, but by an assistant referee?

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in football, something comes along that leaves you stunned.

Constantine Hatzidakis had indeed elbowed Robertson as the Liverpool and Arsenal players left at half-time.

We’re not talking an elbow with the ferocity of, say, Mark Dennis, Terry Hurlock or Pat Van Den Hauwe levels from the 1980s, but there was intent and there was a connection.

Liverpool came back to draw 2-2 against Arsenal in a thrilling game that went down to the wire

PGMOL has confirmed it will discuss the incident with linesman Constantine Hatzidakis

To be clear, Robertson shouldn’t have put his own hand on Hatzidakis while trying to argue a point.

Too many players cross the line when it comes to confrontations with officials and the Scotland left-back was guilty of making contact with the 38-year-old.

However, Hatzidakis has a position of authority. Restraint and staying neutral and calm under pressure are part of the job description and the moment he looked over his shoulder and thrust his right elbow back at Robertson, he was destined for a slew of headlines and – in all likelihood – suspension.

Such was the seriousness of the incident that the PGMOL – who have had another busy and regrettable weekend – took the step of issuing a statement while a spectacular match was underway. The FA also made it clear that they would investigate the incident.

Correct. Can you imagine what we would say today if a player had done something similar? Only last month, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic caused a stir over what he did to Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. He was suspended for eight games.

If this is the benchmark, should Hatzidakis serve again this season? It’s impossible to see how he does it. And how could the PGMOL put referee Paul Tierney and his team back on a Liverpool match in the foreseeable future?

There is a history in matches between Liverpool and Tierney dating back to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in December 2021, when Robertson was sent off, Harry Kane averted a red card for a terrible tackle and Diogo Jota was denied a penalty which seemed to all the world a certainty .

To be clear, this is not an excuse for anyone’s behavior. It’s just an explanation of the context surrounding a display by Tierney where he dealt more cards than an overworked croupier and Hatzidakis put himself in the eye of a storm.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for the Reds after a confusion between their defenders

Gabriel Jesus would double the lead with a header after another defensive error by the Reds

Mohamed Salah would get one back for the hosts before peace settled around Ramsdale

Before Roberto Firmino connected late with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross to equalize

When asked about the elbow incident, Klopp said: “I didn’t see it and of course I now have time to look at it, but I didn’t just because I can’t give wrong answers. I did not see it. I heard the pictures speak for themselves. I can say no more. I haven’t seen any of it.’

Further pressure on some decisions in the match – Liverpool later appeared to claim a second penalty, as Salah was pulled by Arsenal defender Gabriel – Klopp paused, turned his head and tried to think of an answer that wouldn’t get him in trouble .

“I think there are some things we can talk about, but they don’t really help,” said Klopp. “We had problems with some referees. They don’t come to us (to discuss things). We have to go to them (if that’s the case) – and we didn’t.’

With that, Klopp left. He was gone, but that’s certainly not the end of things.

Hatzidakis is given the chance to give his own version of events – Robertson turned down the chance to speak when asked as he left the stadium – but he made a colossal mistake.

We are in a period where referees are leaving amateur competitions en masse because of the harassment they are subjected to every weekend.

It is a disgrace to the sport for that to be the case and they should be given absolute respect for carrying out an often thankless job.

But let’s not kid ourselves that they’re all perfect, and Hatzidakis has crossed an important line. He will have to accept the consequences.

Aaron Ramsdale was the hero for Arsenal and saved two chances late with some stunning saves

It means the teams will share the points but it will feel like defeat for Arsenal after they go through

Jurgen Klopp’s side rallied well in the second half to pressure Arsenal and equalize late

Salah had a chance to equalize earlier in the game, but pushed a penalty kick wide