The assistant referee who elbowed Andy Robertson is facing the risk of being sacked according to a former referees' chief.
Constantine Hatzidakis raised his elbow to the Liverpool defender's throat as the teams left the field at half-time during Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
He has been taken off duty while the Football Association investigate the incident.
Keith Hackett, formerly head of PGMOL, says the linesman on the day shouldn't have reacted the way he did and that his job could come under questioning.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: 'Ultimately, if he is found guilty of this, his career is in jeopardy.
'I was trying to find an excuse as to why he did it and I came up with was he in fear? He shouldn't be, because he's in a protected environment with plenty of security.
'But he reacted in a way that he shouldn't have reacted at the end of the day and here we are talking about a match official and not a decision, but an action by a match official - and he's clearly lost his composure.'
His comments come after former referee Mark Halsey called for an eight-match ban to be handed to Hatzidakis - insisting he should suffer the same consequences as Fulham's Alexsandar Mitrovic who pushed a referee during their FA Cup loss to Manchester United.
Mark Clattenberg though felt the linesman was provoked before he swung an arm at Robertson.
As Robertson walked off the field towards the players tunnel, he appeared to say something to assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis while lightly touching him on the right elbow. Hatzidakis responded by lifting his elbow in to Robertson's face.
The official may claim he was merely shrugging Robertson off, but the Scotland international was left holding his chin and appeared to be saying: 'He's just elbowed me in the throat. The linesman has elbowed me in the throat.'
A statement released by PGMOL, who oversee Premier League referee appointments, read: '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.'
It is also understood that the FA will look at the matter in much the same way they would if a player had been guilty of such an offence away from the attention of the match referee.
Such an act would usually be classed as 'violent conduct' and carry a suspension of three games.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: 'I didn't see it and I now have obviously time to watch it but I didn't see.
UncleDMG
2
If it was a player he would have been given 2 years ban. Mitrovic is banned for the rest of the season for touching the referee at his back
Zokbcnpstu
2
am a liverpool fan ,but thats not too bad ,it's a mistake, everyone can make mistakes, epl can just forgive him, he is a human being
veabcdeko
0
If that’s the case wasn’t Robertson the one who initiated the contract with the linesman? He should be the one investigated for touching the linesman and not the other way around. Why did he approach him in the first place?
The contract I’m referring to
stands
1
If that’s the case wasn’t Robertson the one who initiated the contract with the linesman? He should be the one investigated for touching the linesman and not the other way around. Why did he approach him in the first place?
so a ref can't be approached how hilarious
veabcdeko
2
If that’s the case wasn’t Robertson the one who initiated the contract with the linesman? He should be the one investigated for touching the linesman and not the other way around. Why did he approach him in the first place?
subcmnprs
1
is it ok to say nasty things to linesman?
you are very stupid by asking that question
Docclmn
3
that ref is an arsenal fan, he was as angry as G-jesus,. arsenal felt like they were losing the cup
stanking8912
5
he should be sacked asap because if it was a player now, all hells would have been let loose
Miockmnt
3
is it ok to say nasty things to linesman?
yuyacikmru
1
he is a recisit and support of gunners
tumbcdemrs
2
If Andrew Robertson did provoke the linesman it still didn't give him the right to retaliate isn't that what they say when it happens with two players he should have walked away
Chukwunonso14
3
Haba, that's too harsh, just punish give him some games off It's not like Robertson isn't guilty of holding him
ziaacilmnu
0
How is it a racist because I don’t understand that. Both of them are white
but from different countries duh
Rauadelmyz
0
How is it a racist because I don’t understand that. Both of them are white
Robertson father was from Africa 😂
Dollarrr
4
This linesman is bouncer 😂
Kozbdemnu
1
It's pure racism, he couldn't even hide it.
How is it a racist because I don’t understand that. Both of them are white
Bamzyk2
1
It's pure racism, he couldn't even hide it.