Referee is suspended for elbowing Liverpool defender

"Constantine Hatzidakis will not be on duty in any league as the Football Association investigates the incident involving defender Andy Robertson," the PGMOL statement said on April 10.

The incident took place during halftime of the Liverpool - Arsenal match in the 30th round of the Premier League on April 9. As Robertson approached to speak, the lineman suddenly elbowed the Liverpool defender in the face.

According to Keith Hackett - former director of PGMOL, Hatzidakis risks losing his entire career if convicted. "He shouldn't have done that," Hackett insisted. "We're talking about a referee, not a decision. Obviously he lost his cool."

Meanwhile, another former top referee Mark Halsey sided with the lineman. He suggested that Robertson seemed to want to grab Hatzidakis, leading to a reaction of swiping hands and accidental collision. "Certainly from a camera angle you can't see very well, but it's worth asking why was Robertson approaching the lineman," Halsey asked.

Robertson received a yellow card for approaching Hatzidakis.

In the first half, Liverpool conceded two goals in the 8th and 28th minutes. However, Mohamed Salah was able to equalize one for the home team in the 42nd minute. After the break, Liverpool played better. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale saved many goals for Arsenal, but failed to stop Roberto Firmino's header to equalize 2-2 in the 87th minute.

The draw at Liverpool took away Arsenal's advantage in the race to the title. The "Gunners" are leading the Premier League with 73 points, more than six points but playing one more game than Man City. They also have a away game on the field of Man City. If they win all the remaining matches, coach Pep Guardiola's team will successfully defend the championship by goal difference.