The first match that assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis will officiate since an altercation with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson at Anfield is scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Hatzidakis was suspended and awaiting an investigation after he allegedly elbowed a player, however, the Football Association cleared him of any misconduct.
The official will serve as the assistant referee for Preston’s Championship match against Blackburn at Deepdale. In a Zoom conversation, Hatzidakis said he had apologised to Robertson.
After the first half against Arsenal on April 9, the Scotland captain approached the referee, and a television video appeared to show Hatzidakis’ elbow making contact with the player’s chin.
However, Hatzidakis will also serve as the assistant VAR when Leeds plays fellow relegation rivals Leicester on Tuesday, April 25, as a result of the FA’s decision to take no further action.
Although Martin Cassidy, CEO of Ref Support UK, stated that he thought Hatzidakis had received sufficient punishment, former Premier League referee Keith Hackett also stated that Hatzidakis’ career “might be at risk” if proven guilty.
