Referee who elbowed Andy Robertson brought back to Liverpool duty as call made

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will return to Liverpool duty for the first time since his involvement in a controversial incident with Andy Robertson in 2023. The PGMOL official will be involved in the Reds’ Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham on January 8.

Hatzidakis was cleared by the referees’ body and the Football Association after accidentally catching Robertson with his elbow in April 2023. The incident occurred just after the half-time whistle during Liverpool’s draw with Arsenal.

Robertson and his team-mates were furious over a decision during the first half and the defender confronted Hatzidakis as they headed towards the tunnel. The official raised his arm and his elbow made contact with the Liverpool left-back.

Hatzidakis, who was suspended while an investigation took place, subsequently apologised to Robertson over a Zoom call and the Scot accepted his reasoning.

An FA statement at the time read: “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.”

Despite Liverpool being impressed with the way Hatzidakis handled the aftermath of the situation, the official has not been involved in the on-field refereeing team for a Reds fixture since then. He has had three involvements as VAR for Liverpool games, situated at Stockley Park.

But Hatzidakis will now run the line for Liverpool’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week. Express Sport understands that all parties consider the incident with Robertson to be long in the past.

Liverpool’s match will include in-stadium VAR announcements – a first for English football. Referees will explain contentious decisions to fans inside the stadiums over the public address system.

“In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home,” an EFL statement read.

“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.”