Premier League release statement to explain VAR decision for Southampton penalty vs Liverpool

The Premier League's VAR concluded there was "no conclusive evidence" for overturning referee Sam Barrott's penalty decision for Southampton to equalise against Liverpool at St Mary's on Sunday. The Reds took the lead on the south coast through Dominik Szoboszlai's effort.

But the hosts were given a spot-kick when Andy Robertson brought down Tyler Dibling. Replays appeared to show the challenge took place just outside the penalty area.

However, after viewing numerous replays, VAR Michael Oliver decreed there was insufficient evidence to overrule the on-field official by Barrott, before Adam Armstrong levelled after initially having the penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

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In a statement released on the Premier League Match Centre's official X account, the thinking behind the call was explained.

The post read: "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."

The Reds went behind after Mateus Fernandes put Southampton 2-1 up but they have since gone 3-2 in front thanks to two more goals from Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool can go eight points clear of Manchester City with victory at St Mary's ahead of their clash with the defending champions at Anfield next Sunday.