Andy Robertson ‘to be given advice by Liverpool’ after explosion vs AC Milan
Liverpool may have to speak privately with Andy Robertson following his foul-mouthed explosion as Liverpool lost to AC Milan, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Scotland international needs to control himself when debating controversial decisions with the referee.
Arne Slot‘s side were frustrated by their Serie A opponents on Saturday, 26 July, losing 4-2 in Hong Kong as the Reds kickstarted their pre-season tour ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo were both on the scoresheet, but with goals coming from Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and a Noah Okafar double, it was a dominant win for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Andy Robertson fumes at Liverpool penalty decision
During the clash, Robertson’s claims for a penalty against Malick Thiaw were quickly waved away, with Hackett suggesting that referee Ping Wun Tam had made the right decision against the full-back.
With the score tied at 1-1 at the time of the incident, a different decision could have altered the entire outcome, and the Liverpool star was visibly frustrated as broadcasters captured his reaction.
The 31-year-old has some obvious choice words for the referee, with his reaction teetering on the edge of verbal abuse, and supporters are well aware of the player wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Slot signing both Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong has thrown doubt over Robertson’s future at Liverpool this summer, which may have added to the player’s frustrations.
However, Hackett believes no further punishment should be sanctioned despite his outburst on the pitch.
Premier League ace to escape sanction after AC Milan outburst
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential sanction for Robertson, the former referee said: “In everyday life, foul language is used, not with any abusive approach, but out of frustration or banter. When games are covered by television, you need players to have a degree of self-control.
“The player may have, in his mind, that it’s a friendly game, possibly covered by television, and that it’s okay to do what he’s done. It’s about the players getting into the right habit.
“When decisions are made, with penalties, goal kicks, corners, whatever, there’s going to be an element of frustration. A good referee will not engage. No eye-to-eye contact.
“Does the referee want to get involved? That’s the decision. As a referee, I wouldn’t want to get involved, and I’d ignore it. It’s part of the game. I wouldn’t want to punish the player.
“He’ll probably be given some advice from the club. Perhaps, when the player calms down, the referee goes over and gives him a light warning. Just be careful. There’s no sanction here, for me.”