Jurgen Klopp breaks silence on linesman’s ‘elbow’ on Andy Robertson during Liverpool’s draw with Arsenal
JURGEN KLOPP has given his take on Andy Robertson appearing to be elbowed by the assistant referee during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Referee Paul Tierney brandished a yellow card to the Scot for his protestations AFTER blowing up for half-time.
The official was subsequently surrounded by Liverpool players, including a furious Robertson, 29.
And Jamie Carragher, working on commentary for Sky Sports, quickly claimed that an apoplectic Robertson was “elbowed” by assistant ref Constantine Hatzidakis.
He tweeted: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”
Now Liverpool head coach Klopp has had his say on the bizarre incident.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he was asked his thoughts about the incident, to which he responded: “Nothing. I know it happened but I didn’t watch it.
“If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves.”
The officials were booed off by the crowd after exchanging stern words with Reds skipper Jordan Henderson, who protested his team-mate’s case.
Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves claimed that Robertson was furious as he entered the tunnel, accusing the official of “elbowing him in the throat”.
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Roy Keane took a dim view of Robertson, however, calling him a “big baby” and telling him to “concentrate on his defending”.
The Irishman ranted: “He should be more worried about his defending. Do you know what he is? That Robertson, I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what that guy is.”
Liverpool came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in control on Merseyside.
Mo Salah pulled one back before half-time, only to miss a penalty in the second period.
But the hosts did eventually equalise through substitute Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool pressed for a winner late on in a thrilling finale as Aaron Ramsdale made a sensational stop to deny Salah, before blocking from Ibrahima Konate at the death.
Reacting to the game as a whole, Klopp added: “A bit typical for us this season. An open game, completely open, they score with the first situation and the second one.
“Our reaction was good. It was a spectacular game in the end. How we didn’t win it with those late chances I don’t know.
“I’m caught in between [being happy and not]. I have no problems with drawing. Arsenal were good but they could and should have lost this game. The point for them is better.
“We had moments and chances where we didn’t finish the situations off. Slightly typical.
“They’re flying so they score with their first chance. The goal we scored helped massively. At half-time it wasn’t over. It was a sensational atmosphere. Good moment to get the equaliser.
“All of a sudden we were in charge of a wild game. We deserved at least a point. If Ibou [Konate] uses his head [for a late chance] it’s a goal. Maybe he slipped. He had a chance, it was just there.”