A masked supporter detached a video assistant referee (VAR) monitor in a German second division game on Sunday as the referee approached the pitchside screen to assess a penalty decision.
The episode took place at the conclusion of the first half of Preussen Munster’s 2-1 loss to Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga 2 in Cologne.
Referee Felix Bickel was requested by VAR to examine the play on a pitchside monitor but discovered the screen was dark.
With Bickel unable to make a decision, it was left to the VAR official Katrin Rafalski to deem it a foul and instruct Bickel to award a penalty, which Hertha successfully converted.
“A masked individual from the active supporter sector unlawfully entered the pitch and disconnected the technical equipment,” Preussen Munster stated in a release.
“Preussen Munster regrets the incident and will take all necessary actions to identify and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.”
“In addition, immediate steps have been taken to avert similar occurrences in the future. Initial investigations suggest this was a premeditated act – a banner reflecting this was displayed in the home section soon after the technical failure.”
German sources reported that a banner stating “Pull the plug on VAR” was shown.
