Referee Paul Tierney had the power to relieve assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis of his duties after he allegedly elbowed Andy Robertson during Liverpool and Arsenal’s 2-2 Premier League draw.
Law 6 of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Laws of the Game states that “a referee can relieve another match official of their duties for ‘undue interference or improper conduct’.”
Had Tierney seen the half-time incident and deemed it to be ‘undue interference or improper conduct’, IFAB laws would have supported any move to take Hatzidakis off the game.
Tierney was situated near the centre circle with assistant referee Scott Ledger when the incident took place.
Hatzidakis continued to officiate for the remainder of the fixture.
The FA and PGMOL confirmed to the Athletic that they are looking into the incident.
PGMOL has yet to comment on the IFAB law in question and any decision-making around the flashpoint on Sunday.
The IFAB does not comment on isolated incidents in games and is understood to deem the matter one for the FA and PGMOL.
Liverpool full-back Robertson approached Hatzidakis as the players were leaving the field for half-time and appeared to place his hand on him, before Hatzidakis appeared to raise his arm towards Robertson.
Robertson was immediately incensed and appeared to claim he was elbowed by the linesman.
Liverpool players crowded referee Paul Tierney to raise the issue before eventually heading off down the tunnel.
A PGMOL statement read: “PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time during the Liverpool v Arsenal fixture at Anfield.
“We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”
Liverpool and Robertson will provide observations on the incident when requested.
GO DEEPER
Assistant referee accused of elbowing Liverpool defender Robertson
(Photo: Sky Sports)
