Chris Sutton believes assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis should be banned for his role in the alleged incident with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.
It appeared that the 38-year-old official raised his elbow and struck the Scotland captain in the face at the beginning of half-time during Sunday's draw with Arsenal, leaving the 29-year-old 'apoplectic'. As a result, the Liverpool players protested with referee Paul Tierney as coach Vitor Matos also made his feelings known during the interval but Robertson was cautioned for his involvement.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released a statement on the incident during the rip-roaring game at Anfield which saw the Reds denied a famous comeback by Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
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In the aftermath, the former Premier League striker said the assistant referee "has to be banned" following his role in the incident which has thrust conversation surrounding treatment of players and officials into the spotlight.
"I really don’t know what he [assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis] was thinking. As far as I can see, he has to be banned," said Sutton speaking on BBC 5Live.
"He will have to sit out a number of games. I can’t remember another incident like this. Where is the precedent set for these things?
"A big debating point was Aleksandar Mitrovic and the eight game ban and the FA want him banned for more but you can’t have assistants throwing elbows. What should the punishment be?"
On Monday morning, the PGMOL released a further statement which confirmed that Hatzidakis has been suspended while the investigation continues.
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