By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
A bizarre moment unfolded in Germany’s second division when supporters of SC Preußen Münster unplugged the pitch-side VAR monitor during their league clash with Hertha BSC just as the referee was about to review a possible penalty.
The incident occurred late in the first half of the match after Münster defender Niko Koulis fouled Hertha midfielder Michaël Cuisance inside the penalty area. Referee Felix Bickel initially waved play on but was instructed by VAR to review the incident on the sideline monitor.
However, when Bickel approached the screen, it failed to display the replay because a masked fan had entered the restricted area and unplugged the equipment, leaving the referee staring at a blank monitor.
Despite the disruption, the decision process continued remotely. Video assistant referee Katrin Rafalski, working from the VAR control centre in Cologne, reviewed the footage and concluded that Koulis had fouled Cuisance, prompting Bickel to award a penalty.
Hertha captain Fabian Reese converted the spot-kick in first-half stoppage time to give the visitors the lead. Münster responded immediately after the restart through Jannis Heuer, but Hertha eventually claimed a 2–1 victory thanks to a late winner from Marten Winkler.
Following the chaotic incident, Preußen Münster issued a statement condemning the act and confirming that an investigation is underway.
“In first-half stoppage time between SC Preußen Münster and Hertha BSC, VAR intervened after a controversial incident in the penalty area,” the club said. “However, the referee was unable to review the incident using the VAR monitor in the stadium because a masked spectator from the active fan section illegally entered the pitch and unplugged the technical equipment.”
The club added that the penalty decision was ultimately made by the video referee in Cologne and vowed to identify those responsible.
“SC Preußen Münster regrets the incident and will do everything in its power to identify and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. Furthermore, immediate measures have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Initial findings from the club suggested the sabotage may have been a planned protest against VAR, with a banner reading “Pull the plug on VAR” displayed in the home section shortly after the disruption.
Despite the attempt to literally “pull the plug” on VAR, the technology still played a decisive role — ensuring the penalty decision stood and Hertha walked away with all three points.