Premier League compelled to issue two VAR statements on Liverpool controversy against Southampton

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points with a hard-fought victory over struggling Southampton. The Saints proved to be a tough opponent, forcing Liverpool to come from behind to secure all three points.

Mohamed Salah was the hero of the match, scoring twice to ensure the win against the relegation-threatened side. The Egyptian forward capitalized on a mistake by Alex McCarthy to equalize after Liverpool had trailed 2-1. He then netted a penalty following a handball by Yukinari Sugawara in the box.

Dominik Szoboszlai had earlier given Liverpool the lead in the first half after Southampton’s defensive error. However, Southampton was handed a way back into the game when Andy Robertson was penalized for a foul in the box. Adam Armstrong’s initial penalty was saved, but he converted the rebound.

A controversial decision by referee Samuel Barrott saw a penalty awarded after Tyler Dibling was brought down, despite Robertson seemingly making contact outside the box. The Premier League later issued a statement clarifying that there was “no conclusive evidence” the contact occurred outside the area.

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The referee’s decision to award a penalty for Robertson’s challenge on Dibling was reviewed and upheld by VAR, which concluded that there was no clear evidence to suggest the contact took place outside the penalty area.

— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 24, 2024

The statement 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.”

After the break, Liverpool found themselves behind when Matheus Fernandes squeezed the ball past the keeper. However, two goals from Salah, including the penalty for Sugawara’s handball, put Liverpool back on top.

The Premier League issued another statement regarding the penalty: “The referee’s call of penalty for the handball by Sugawara is checked by VAR, who confirmed that he deliberately moved his arm towards the ball.”

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The referee’s decision to award a penalty for Sugawara’s handball was reviewed by VAR, which confirmed that he intentionally moved his arm towards the ball.

— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 24, 2024

With the win, Liverpool moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit. They now look ahead to their Champions League match against Real Madrid before facing a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.