The reason behind Southampton's penalty award against Liverpool – despite the foul appearing to occur outside the box – has been explained.
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Southampton host Liverpool Saints awarded controversial penaltyReason behind decision explained Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Southampton's Tyler Dibling was running towards goal, before Liverpool's Andrew Robertson brought the teenager down in the 40th minute. Adam Armstrong then scored on the rebound from his saved penalty to make it 1-1. Although it looked like the Scot fouled him outside the area, referee Samuel Barrott pointed to the spot and VAR Michael Oliver upheld his decision. Here's why.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE EXPLANATION
According to the Premier League Match Centre, the 'operational hub' that provides information on refereeing decisions, there wasn't enough information to overturn the referee's original call.
The tweet reads: "The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Robertson on Dibling is checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was no conclusive evidence that the contact occurred outside the penalty area."
DID YOU KNOW?
Liverpool took the lead in the 30th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai, before Armstrong equalised three minutes before half-time. Mateus Fernandes put the hosts in front in the 56th minute before Mohamed Salah drew the two teams level once again nine minutes later. Salah then handed the Reds the lead when he netted from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
After this game, Liverpool are back in Champions League action when they host defending champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday. Then they entertain Manchester City in a crunch Premier League clash next Sunday.