Referee charity speaks out on Andy Robertson incident and what should happen to Constantine Hatzidakis

Ref Support UK CEO Martin Cassidy has described the fallout surrounding the incident between Liverpool defender Andy Robertson and assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis as an "overreaction".

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released a statement on Monday confirming that the linesman will not be on the touchline while the FA investigates the flashpoint that occurred during the Reds' 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Sky Sports cameras picked up the key moment, which transpired just after Paul Tierney brought the first-half to a close, as the 38-year-old appeared to elbow the Scotland international.

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There has been calls to ban the linesman for his role in the events on Sunday, while former Premier League referees Mark Clattenburg and Peter Walton defended the official.

Cassidy, chief executive officer of the referees charity, speaking to BBC Sport, believes the situation which overshadowed the comeback from Jurgen Klopp's side has been "blown out of proportion".

"It has been blown a little bit out of proportion," he said. "We should never advocate violence or match officials hitting anyone but it genuinely looks like Andy Robertson grabs him and Con pushes him to get off.

"They haven't suspended Andy Robertson. It is a little bit of an overreaction. Eric Cantona jumped into the crowd and kicked somebody and still came back and scored in an FA Cup final.

"Why should we treat match officials any different? Yes, we are the guardians of standards and they look on us more strictly but that isn't a free for all. No, his career is not over. He will learn from it.

"What has happened to Con already, the fact he looks like he has been proven guilty and taken off games, I think that is enough."

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