VAR ERROR : Premier League has detailed the VAR decision that resulted in a penalty being given for a foul by Andy Robertson outside the penalty box…

The Premier League has clarified the VAR decision that led to a penalty being awarded for a foul committed by Andy Robertson.

The incident occurred during a tense moment when Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling, raising questions about whether the foul took place inside or outside the penalty area.

Southampton had been under pressure for much of the first half, but a lapse in concentration from Liverpool allowed the hosts to secure a penalty just before halftime.

After Virgil van Dijk lost possession while advancing up the field, Robertson found himself in a defensive position and extended his leg as Dibling approached.

Referee Sam Barrott, after consulting with his assistant, awarded the penalty despite Robertson’s protests that the foul occurred outside the box.

The Premier League Match Centre subsequently issued a statement following the VAR review, which confirmed the referee’s decision.

The statement noted, “The referee’s decision to award a penalty for the challenge by Robertson on Dibling was checked and upheld by VAR, which found no conclusive evidence that the contact happened outside the penalty area.”

Michael Oliver was in charge of the VAR review, and the decision is likely to generate mixed reactions, particularly given the lack of definitive evidence to overturn the original call.

According to the rules, the boundary line is considered part of the penalty area, but many observers believe that Robertson’s challenge began outside the box before continuing into it.

Ultimately, Robertson’s reckless challenge provided the officials with grounds to penalize him.

Caoimhin Kelleher successfully saved the first penalty taken by Adam Armstrong; however, he was unable to prevent the subsequent attempt, resulting in Liverpool losing their advantage in the first half.