A masked individual unplugged the video assistant referee (VAR) monitor during a German second-division match between Preußen Münster and Hertha Berlin on Sunday, in what the club described as a planned protest against the technology.
The fan, wearing white overalls and a green ski mask, emerged from the home supporters' stand and disconnected the monitor while referee Felix Bickel was reviewing a penalty decision. Despite the interruption, video assistant referee Katrin Rafalski assessed the incident remotely and upheld the penalty, which Fabian Reese converted for Hertha's opening goal in a 2-1 victory.
Münster condemned the act, stating it would work to identify the perpetrator and prevent a recurrence. "Initial findings indicate that this was a planned action," the club said. A photo showed fans displaying a banner reading: "Pull the plug on VAR."
Münster captain Jorrit Hendrix expressed support for the protest, saying: "It shows how the fans experience things and that they want to do everything to win the game. If they can do something to influence it, they do that. I completely understand it and think it’s a good thing."
VAR has been a source of controversy in Germany since its introduction in 2017, with many fans criticising delays and interruptions to the flow of the game.
