FA make Constantine Hatzidakis decision following alleged elblow on Andrew Robertson

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FA make Constantine Hatzidakis decision following alleged elblow on Andrew Robertson

The FA will take no further action against assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis after investigating an alleged elbow on Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson at half-time of last weekend’s Premier League clash between the Reds and Arsenal at Anfield.

Hatzidakis will now return to officiating duties, having been withdrawn by refereeing body PGMOL while the investigation from the FA was ongoing. That investigation has now been closed.

“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,” an FA spokesperson said.

“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.”

The flashpoint came as both teams and the officials were leaving the Anfield pitch for the half-time interval. Robertson seemed to put his hand on Hatzidakis, who appeared to raise his arm and catch the Scotland international in response.

In a statement, Hatzidakis himself 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.”