The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that Constantine Hatzidakis won’t be punished for seeming to elbow Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson.
After halftime of Sunday’s 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Premier League leaders Arsenal, Robertson approached assistant referee Hatzidakis, who then appeared to throw his arm up with an elbow aimed in Robertson’s direction.
Hatzidakis was told he wouldn’t be assigned to any games until the FA’s inquiry into the incident was finished.
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.”
Hatzidakis also released a statement via the PGMOL, explaining that he had apologised to Robertson 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.”