VAR screen suddenly goes black during German match — then the reason emerges | OneFootball

Pitch invader unplugged the monitor before penalty review

VAR screen suddenly goes black during German match — then the reason emerges

A fan invaded the pitch and unplugged the VAR monitor during the Münster vs Hertha Berlin match causing chaos in Germany’s second division.

VAR review turns into chaos

A strange scene unfolded during a 2. Bundesliga match between Preußen Münster and Hertha Berlin when a fan invaded the pitch and disabled the VAR monitor just as the referee was about to review a penalty decision.

The incident happened when referee was called to the sideline screen to check a possible foul in the penalty area. However when he arrived at the monitor, the screen had suddenly gone completely black leaving the official unable to review the footage.

Masked fan pulled the plug

According to reports from German media including Bild, a masked supporter from the Münster fan section entered a restricted area near the pitch and unplugged the cables powering the VAR screen.

The act appeared to be linked to a protest against the use of VAR. Shortly after the monitor stopped working, fans displayed a banner reading “Pull the plug on VAR”.

Because the referee could not check the replay on the pitch-side screen, the final decision had to be made by the VAR team located in Cologne who were still able to review the incident.

Penalty awarded and match decided late

After reviewing the footage remotely, the VAR officials confirmed that Niko Koulis of Münster had fouled Michael Cuisance inside the penalty area.

The decision was announced through the stadium loudspeakers explaining that the VAR official had confirmed the foul and that a penalty would be awarded.

Martin Winkler converted the penalty in stoppage time (90+3) to give Hertha Berlin a dramatic victory. The result lifted Hertha to sixth place in the table, ten point behind leaders Schalke.

Investigation expected

The unusual incident has raised serious questions about stadium security. Reports indicate that the German Football Association DFB is expected to investigate the breach while Münster could face disciplinary action if security failures are confirmed.