A former international rugby referee has stated that Constantine Hatzidakis’ elbow on Andy Robertson during the Liverpool vs. Arsenal match was inevitable.
In the first half of Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw, Robertson approached Hatzidakis with anger and appeared to push him. Hatzidakis responded by raising his elbow, hitting Robertson on the chin.
Robertson and several team-mates then approached referee Paul Tierney in anger, resulting in Tierney booking Robertson, who is 29 years old.
Nigel Owens wrote on Twitter: “This was always going to happen at some point. Hope they get it sorted and out of the game. I’ll gladly help if I can.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane had no sympathy whatsoever for Robertson, however, and instead branded him a “big baby” and urged him to “concentrate on his defending”.
Writing in the Daily Mail, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said Robertson “initiated contact” with Hatzidakis.
“Players can push us officials to the limit,” he said. “They can provoke to the point where you are probably tempted to give them something in return.
“But under no circumstances can we can respond. Certainly not physically. Hatzidakis did and there will now be a clamour for him to be banned.
“I do not think Hatzidakis meant to catch Robertson with his elbow.”
5 out and proud rugby players, including first openly gay All Black
In honour of Pride month, RUCK wanted to celebrate five out and proud rugby stars. Their focus? How we can collectively align to take action that drives change on and off the pitch.
1. Campbell Johnstone
The former All Blacks prop has openly come out as gay. Johnstone becomes the first former All Black to do so, and has received tremendous support for this courageous act.
This is a milestone moment for the All Blacks, who have celebrated the occasion, sharing Campbell’s story on social media.
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma surrounding the whole issue then it can actually help other people. Then the public will know that there is one in amongst the All Blacks.”
“To be able to do that could possibly be one of the final pieces in the puzzle for New Zealand sport…it could be a very vital piece that just gives everyone closure.”
“If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people.”
Johnstone played three times for the All Blacks, all in 2005. He made his debut against Fiji, and also took on the British and Irish Lions tourists. Johnstone spent his entire Super Rugby career at the Crusaders, before moving to France in 2009 for a four year tenure at Biarritz.
