Assistant referee in Liverpool v Arsenal game appears to ‘elbow’ Andy Robertson after tempestuous first half

An eventful first half on Merseyside culminated in a dramatic turn of events, as the home side staged a comeback after a slow start.

Despite Arsenal taking an early lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, the crowd was brought to life when Mohamed Salah scored a crucial goal, giving Liverpool a lifeline in the contest.

However, tensions boiled over at half time as assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis headed towards referee Paul Tierney carrying the ball, Robertson approached him and appeared to grab the official as he walked across the pitch.

In response, Hatzidakis reacted angrily and moved his arm back in what appeared to be an elbowing motion towards Robertson’s face. The incident left the Scotland international furious, with Liverpool players surrounding the trio of match officials as they attempted to leave the Anfield pitch.

Remonstrating with Hatzidakis and Tierney as they left the field, Robertson was eventually booked by Tierney, much to the anger of his teammates, including Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As the players were led away by a member of Liverpool’s coaching staff, Sky co-commentator Jamie Carragher was quick to take to Twitter to share his perspective, tweeting: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”

According to Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, Robertson was left seething as he left the pitch, allegedly claiming: “he’s just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman has elbowed me in the throat.”