VAR: A masked fan breaks up the screen in a Bundesliga match

A masked fan disconnected the video assistant referee (VAR) monitor during a German second-tier match on Sunday, while the referee went to the pitchside monitor to check whether a penalty kick had been awarded.

The accident occurred at the end of the first half of the match that Preussen Munster lost 2-1 at home to Hertha Berlin in the German second division.

The Video Assistant Referee intervened and referee Felix Bikel was asked to review the incident on a pitchside screen, but he found the screen blank.

“A masked spectator from the active fan section illegally entered the stadium and disconnected the technical equipment,” Preussen Munster said in a statement., external

With Bickel unable to make the call, the decision was left to VAR official Katrin Rafalski in Cologne, ruling that the foul was a foul and for Bickel to award a penalty, which Hertha scored.

The club added: “Preussin Munster regrets the incident and will do everything in its power to identify the perpetrator and bring him to justice.”

“Furthermore, immediate action was taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Preliminary findings indicate that this was a planned action – and a sign to that effect was displayed in the main section shortly after the technical fault occurred.”

German media reported that a banner reading “Pull the plug on VAR” was displayed.