Why were Southampton awarded a penalty against Liverpool? | OneFootball

Southampton equalised against Liverpool after a controversial penalty decision in the Premier League fixture.

The Premier League leaders were in front thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s opening goal but their advantage did not last long at St Mary’s.

Southampton were awarded a penalty and Adam Armstrong converted the rebound Caoimhin Kelleher had saved his initial effort.

However, the decision to award the penalty was controversial, with Andy Robertson tripping winger Tyler Dibling as he looked to dribble into the box.

It was definitely a foul, but whether the debate came down to whether the contact from Robertson on Dibbling was inside or outside the penalty area.

The on-field referee Samuel Barrott awarded the penalty, with VAR Michael Oliver confirming the decision and ruling Dibling was fouled on the line - which is considered inside the box.

The VAR believed the replays showed Robertson’s foot was on the line and an update from the Premier League Match Centre said “there was no conclusive evidence that the contact occurred outside the penalty area.”

Armstrong equalised for bottom-side Southampton before half time, with Liverpool aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points.