There was controversy in the Premier League on Sunday as a contentious penalty allowed Southampton to equalise against Liverpool just before half time.

Why were Southampton awarded a penalty against Liverpool?

Referee Samuel Barrott pointed to the spot judging the Reds’ Andy Robertson had taken down Tyler Dibling inside the penalty area.

While there was no doubt a foul had been committed, whether it had taken place inside or outside the box was significantly less clear, reflected by the match official’s noticeable pause before awarding the penalty.

Television replays appeared to show Robertson had committed the offence just outside the area, although only by the smallest of margins. Despite a VAR check, however, Barrott’s original decision stood.

Saints striker Adam Armstrong saw his spot-kick saved by Caoimhin Kelleher but converted the rebound from close range to make the score 1-1.

Premier League explanation

The Premier League itself explained the decision on its Premier League Match Centre account on X: “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”.

Will that explanation be enough for Liverpool if they fail to pick up maximum points from the game against the Saints?