• Fan interrupts VAR review in German league match

• Controversial penalty awarded after crowd interference

A bizarre incident unfolded in a German second division match between Preussen Munster and visiting Hertha Berlin, when a masked fan unplugged the VAR monitor in a bold act of sabotage, leaving the referee facing a blank screen when called to review a potential penalty.

Club reports stated that the supporter had entered the restricted control area and cut the monitor’s power, disrupting the video review process.

Unable to see the replay, referee Felix Bickel had to rely on VAR official Katrina Rafalski in Cologne, who confirmed the foul remotely, leading Bickel to award the penalty, which Hertha successfully converted.

The match ended with Hertha Berlin winning 2-1 after a stoppage-time goal.

Munster later said the incident appeared to be a planned act and confirmed that the club would do everything possible to identify those responsible for the sabotage.