Fan unplugs VAR monitor during German Second Division clash

A bizarre incident disrupted a German second-tier football match on Sunday, March 8, 2026, after a masked supporter unplugged a VAR monitor during the game between Preussen Münster and Hertha Berlin.

According to a statement from Preussen Münster, the video assistant referee system was intended to be used in the first half after a foul requiring review.

However, the on-field referee was unable to consult the pitchside monitor after a supporter from the home side’s active fan section ran onto the field and unplugged the technical equipment.

Despite the disruption, the decision-making process continued remotely. The club explained that the penalty call was ultimately made by video referee Katrin Rafalski, who was operating from the VAR centre in Cologne.

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Hertha Berlin converted the resulting penalty before eventually securing a dramatic 2–1 victory with a stoppage-time goal.

Preussen Münster strongly condemned the incident and said efforts are underway to identify the individual responsible.

The club also indicated that steps have already been taken to ensure such a situation does not occur again.

Initial investigations suggest the act may have been premeditated. Shortly after the technical malfunction, home supporters were seen displaying a banner in the stands that read “pull the plug on VAR.”



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