Constantine Hatzidakis: Assistant ref stood down after Andrew Robertson elbow incident

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis has been stood down while the English Football Association investigates an alleged elbow on Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson.

The extraordinary incident occurred at half time during Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

Robertson appeared to confront Hatzidakis on the pitch, reaching to grab the arm of the official, who reacted by jabbing his elbow towards the Liverpool left-back.

An irate Robertson gesticulated that he had been struck by Hatzidakis while he was led away by teammates, only to receive a yellow card by the match referee Paul Tierney in the aftermath of the bizarre incident.

Scotland captain Robertson had earlier been warned by Tierney for his attitude towards Hatzidakis.

A statement by the Premier League referees' body the PGMOL said Hatzidakis would not take part in any fixtures while the FA carries out its investigation.

"PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competitions it serves whilst the FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield."

ICYMI: This is what transpired at the half time whistle. Andy Robertson was seemingly elbowed by the linesman but was then shown a yellow cardThe drama keeps on going in this game!#AstroEPL #LIVARS pic.twitter.com/nnGKNwZICO

Keith Hackett, formerly head of the PGMOL, 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