Liverpool were awarded two penalties against Southampton, the second of which was after a VAR review
Comments
Sport
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Referee Lewis Smith views the VAR monitor, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded for handball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on March 08, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Referee Lewis Smith views the VAR monitor, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded for handball for Liverpool against Southampton
The Premier League have provided more detail around Liverpool's late penalty against Southampton. Mohamed Salah scored it - his second of the day - to clinch a 3-1 win for the Reds.
At one stage, Liverpool looked in danger of dropping points in what should've been their easiest game of the season on paper. Will Smallbone gave the visitors the lead before the break, only for Darwin Nunez's equaliser to settle the Anfield nerves. Salah's brace of penalties put the game beyond any doubt.
The second wasn't initially awarded by the match official, although Yukinari Sugawara looked as though he certainly handled the ball in real time. VAR was then forced to intervene.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez goals after Liverpool fight back to beat SouthamptonREAD MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Mohamed Salah good but one better in Southampton win
"VAR checked the referee's call of no penalty for a possible handball by Sugawara – and deemed that he made a deliberate movement towards the ball with his arm, therefore recommended an on-field review," read a statement from the Premier League Match Centre account. "The referee then awarded a penalty to Liverpool."
The win propelled the Reds to a 16-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. They have played two games more than nearest challengers Arsenal, who visit Manchester United on Sunday.
Liverpool's next match will be in the Champions League, when they will look to complete the job against Paris Saint-Germain after winning 1-0 away from home in the first leg.