The Premier League have released a statement following the involvement of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in awarding Newcastle United a penalty in their Premier League clash against Southampton.

Eddie Howe's team went into the game looking to bounce back from what was a disappointing defeat against Bournemouth in their last outing. But it was far from the ideal start for the Magpies.

They found themselves 1-0 down to the rock-bottom side, after just 10 minutes, thanks to Jan Bednarek's header. However, around 16 minutes later, Newcastle were awarded their chance to level from the penalty spot, but only after intervention from VAR.

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Calls for a penalty for a foul by Joe Aribo on Alexander Isak were, initially, waved away by referee Sam Barrott but, after a second look, VAR sent the official over the to his pitch-side monitor, with him overturning his decision after a second look at the incident.

Isak himself stepped up, and made no mistake from the penalty spot. Following the awarding of the penalty, the Premier League Match Centre X (was Twitter) account released a statement to explain the decision.

"The referee's call of no penalty to Newcastle for a challenge by Aribo on Isak was checked by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty - and recommended an on-field review," it read. "The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty."

Things got even better for Howe's side just four minutes later when Isak grabbed his second of the game to give Newcastle the lead for the first time. Josh Murphy robbed the ball in midfield and fed Isak - who put the ball past Alex McCarthy to make it 2-1.