Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane doubled down on his verdict of Liverpool defender Andy Robertson being a “big baby” following an incident with the assistant referee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
The left-back claimed that he had been elbowed in the throat by Constantine Hatzidakis at half-time.
Robertson approached the linesman to complain about decisions that had been made in the first half. However, when Hatzidakis walked away from the Scotland international, the camera caught him using his arm to make contact with Robertson.
While we often see players have a go at officials, it is rare that you see them accused of conduct such as this.
Speaking on Sky Sports at the break, Keane hammered Robertson for his conduct during the incident: “Robertson, does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure, but he starts complaining. He should be more worried about his defending.
“Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what he is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”
Andy Robertson claims to have been elbowed in the throat by the assistant referee 😳 pic.twitter.com/1jqqwTouyD
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 9, 2023
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports (H/t Football Daily)
Keane doubled down on Robertson after the match.
Gary Neville got the conversation going by saying (via The Mirror): “I think he’s going to be in a bit of trouble for that.”
Then, Micah Richards weighed in: “It’s not as bad as it looks.”
Neville added: “The linesman is going to get in trouble because he’s a linesman and done that but the reality of ti is that if he just misses a weekend and carries on, I think we’d all forgive him. I don’t think it’s that bad.”
Everyone watching had to wait for Keane to offer his thoughts for a second time.
The Irishman concluded: “What’s he gone over to him for? And what’s he complaining for? I said at half-time, Robertson, what a baby. What a big baby. Just get on with the game. Baby.”
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