If the foul is committed inside the box it is a penalty, if it happens outside it is not.
I thought this was common knowledge; bit surprised to hear a referee doesn't know this.
In a counter-attack, the AR is often best placed to decide where the foul took place - so when a foul is close to the area, discussion is a pragmatic choice to be clear about and 'sell' the decision.
Yep, I'd agree the AR should be well placed to make that call, especially since it was deepest Phoenix player, so he should have been at least in line, and would easily have been able to see it was 4 yards outside the box.
I guess those that think someone 20 yards out with his back to goal is imminently about to score could easily consider 4 yards to be "close to the area'.
Personally I expect better from officials in the top NZ league.
More DOGSO drama for Nick Waldron in the ESvHW game today, has to be AR making the call as he was not in a good position to do so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLb__dGORnM&t=1560s