Roy Keane mocked Andre Robertson, calling him a “big baby,” after he was elbowed by the linesman before halftime. The Reds held Arsenal at Anfield with goals from Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Roy Keane slammed Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson and labelled him a “big baby” after he complained that he was elbowed in the throat by one of the linesmen during Sunday’s mighty clash against Premier league leaders Arsenal.
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Roy Keane was unimpressed by Robertson’s antics on Sunday
Tensions were already high as eighth-placed Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, with the Reds hoping to save their embarrassing campaign this season. The table-toppers looked comfortable and took an early lead through Gabriel Martinelli. Moments later, it was doubled as Gabriel Jesus nodded home for the north London side.
The big clash peaked just before the final whistle at halftime when Granit Xhaka got involved in a clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold while the Gunners were 2-0 up. Both players were booked for disciplinary actions, though Mohammed Salah scored just moments later and gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope going into the second half.
As the game boiled down to utter chaos, every decision by the referee was scrutinized by players from both sides. Just as the game looked to settle after Salah’s late finish before the first half, Robertson questioned a decision by linesman Constantine Hatzidakis. The defender tried to touch him to grab his attention, but the linesman swung out his arm, which hit the player’s face.
Robertson fumed at the Hatzidakis’ reaction and fiercely protested to referee Paul Tierney while clutching his face.
But Keane showed no interest in the matter and said that the Liverpool defender’s clumsiness resulted in Arsenal’s first goal and added that he should instead focus on his defending.
“He should focus on his defending,” says Roy Keane
Ahead of the second half, presenter David Jones told Sky that he asked Roy Keane about his view on the incident that happened at halftime, where Andrew Robertson claimed that Hatzidakis had elbowed him in the throat.
The Irish star drew back those claims and said it was Robertson who first grabbed the linesman before he threw out his arm. He insisted that the Liverpool defender would benefit if he focused on his game rather than complaining to the referee.
Later on, he added that he had watched Robertson numerous times and labelled him as a big baby.
Journalist Geoff Shreeves, who was at the side of the pitch, revealed that Robertson and Henderson continued to charge Hatzidakis in the tunnel. He explained that Robertson was flabbergasted and was repeatedly saying that he was elbowed in the throat, while Henderson, the Reds captain, relentlessly pursued the referee over the matter. Both players led the protests with referee Paul Tierney before they were taken away.
Arsenal confident about first title since 2004
In the second half, Arsenal desperately fought hard to save their narrow lead but was eventually squeezed out of all its gas as the Reds’ substitute Roberto Firmino tapped in the winner at the 87th minute from an exquisite cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite losing a point against Liverpool at Anfield, Mikel Arteta’s men lead the title race with six points over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Arsenal will travel to Etihad later in the month in what will be a title-defining clash for Premier League fans.
As of yet, the FA has not taken any decisions on the incident involving Robertson, who was booked for his protests, and the linesman Hatzidakis. It remains to be seen how the football association will act on the current issue after Sunday’s clash.
