A masked spectator entered the pitch and unplugged the VAR monitor during the Bundesliga 2 clash between Preussen Munster and Hertha Berlin
A masked vigilante supporter disconnected a VAR monitor in protest against the technology’s implementation during a fixture in Germany. When referee Felix Bickel was summoned to the touchline to examine a penalty incident during Preussen Munster vs Hertha Berlin, he found himself unable to view the replay.
Having initially declined to award a spot-kick when Munster’s Niko Koulis fouled Michael Cuisance, Bickel was instructed by VAR to reconsider, but was prevented from doing so. A Munster ultra had disconnected the screen in an attempt to disrupt the use of technology.
The sabotage coincided with a banner displayed in the terraces declaring: “Pull the plug on VAR.”
The culprit wasn’t caught in the act, but a fan dressed in a green balaclava-style mask and overalls resembling those worn at forensic investigations was observed being assisted back into the crowd.
For VAR critics, the outcome proved disappointing, as the system remained operational. Video official Katrin Rafalski eventually made the call from her remote position in the VAR facility in Cologne.
The home club has confirmed they are examining the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences.
A statement from Preussen Munster read: “In first-half stoppage time between SC Preußen Münster and Hertha BSC, VAR intervened after a controversial incident in the penalty area. However, the referee was unable to review the incident using the VAR monitor in the stadium because a masked fan from the active supporter section illegally entered the pitch and unplugged the technical equipment.
“The penalty decision was ultimately made by video referee Katrin Rafalski in the VAR room in Cologne.
“SC Preußen Münster deeply regrets the incident and will do everything within its power to identify and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. Moreover, immediate measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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“Initial findings suggest that this was a premeditated action – a banner confirming this was displayed in the home section shortly after the technical malfunction.”.
Munster eventually lost the Bundesliga 2 match 2-1 after Hertha scored a late goal in the 93rd minute through Martin Winkler. The away side had taken the lead via the penalty in the first half as Fabian Reese scored from the spot, but Jannis Heuer found an equaliser in the second period.