A startling incident took place during a German second-division football match on Sunday when a masked supporter leaped from the stands to unplug the video assistant referee (VAR) monitor, apparently in protest of the technology.
This disruption happened while referee Felix Bickel was deliberating on a penalty decision.
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The individual, dressed in white overalls and a ski mask bearing the colors of Muenster, interrupted Bickel during the match between Preussen Muenster and Hertha Berlin.
Muenster confirmed that the fan emerged from the stands specifically to disconnect the monitor. Footage from the broadcast showed the person quickly returning to the section occupied by home fans right after the disruption.
Despite this bold interruption, the decision ultimately did not favor the home team.
Video assistant referee Katrin Rafalski provided her ruling remotely, relaying her assessment to Bickel. Hertha’s Fabian Reese subsequently converted the penalty, scoring the opening goal in their eventual 2-1 victory.
The penalty was ultimately awarded and successfully scored (Getty Images)
Preussen Muenster expressed its disapproval of the act, stating intentions to “take all necessary measures to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” noting that “early evidence suggests this was a premeditated action.”
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A prominent banner held up by home supporters read “Pull the plug on VAR,” indicating their collective sentiment.
This episode highlights the ongoing debate surrounding VAR in German football, where it has sparked significant fan dissatisfaction due to perceived delays and interruptions to the game’s flow since its introduction in 2017.
Despite the ongoing controversies, VAR is poised to gain expanded authority at this summer’s World Cup, where it will be utilized to address second yellow cards and penalties wrongly assigned to teams.