There has been debate surrounding Andy Robertson’s challenge on Tyler Dibling and whether it was a penalty following Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton
Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter believes “justice was served” after Liverpool were penalised for Andy Robertson’s foul on Tyler Dibling. A penalty was controversially awarded when the Scotland international tripped the 18-year-old as he raced through on goal.
The debate was sparked by whether it was in the penalty area or just outside. Robertson’s tackle was right on the edge of the box and, arguably, on the line which is a penalty, the FA rules state.
Referee Samuel Barrott pointed to the penalty spot and with the help of VAR, his on-field decision remained with the Premier League explanation claiming there was ‘no conclusive evidence’ that contact was made outside of Caoimhin Kelleher’s penalty area.
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The incident led to Southampton’s equaliser as Kelleher denied Adam Armstrong’s initial spot-kick but the striker slotted home on the rebound. Winter believes it was a tight decision but the right one.
“Yes, that incident was one where I think the decision was probably correct,” he told Grosvenor Casino. “It was definitely a foul—no issue there. The penalty area line marks the extremity, so if the foul occurred even a millimetre on the line, it’s a penalty. I believe they got that one right.
“We’re talking about millimetres and decisions made at incredible speed. The spirit of the law doesn’t really factor in, but considering the player was running at full pace into the penalty area, it feels like justice was served. It was a foul, and awarding the penalty seemed the right decision in the end.
“Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about all the decisions this weekend, but on this one, I’d back the referee.”
