Why Demichelis' tackle on Messi outside the box was a penalty

Last night Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini had to watch his defender Martin Demichelis walk back to the locker room after receiving a red card for brining down Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

The foul led to a penalty that Lionel Messi had no trouble in converting to a goal giving Barcelona the 1-0 lead. Dani Alves later scored the second after a brilliant run.

However, Demichelis made the initial touch on Messi right outside the box, and it was a penalty because according to FIFA rules if a foul continues into the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.

Demichelis is now suspended for the second leg which will be played at Camp Nou.

Shout-out to 101greatgoals for the gif!

Another angle which show that the touch was made outside the box.