Discussion about referees, particularly concerning the video assistant referee (VAR), remains prevalent in German football, even in the DFB-Pokal’s second round where VAR is absent. Former referee Manuel Gräfe criticizes the officiating standards as former players and coaches express their outrage over controversial decisions. Critics argue for the VAR’s implementation, as mistakes persist, while suggestions for alternatives, such as a challenge system, are met with skepticism. The VAR will return in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, promising more contentious moments.
It’s rare to have a football match day without debates about referees, with much of the frustration directed at the video assistant referee (VAR). Oddly enough, there was no VAR during the second round of the DFB-Pokal, yet controversy and outrage still arose. Former referee Manuel Gräfe voiced his criticism of the officials.
Is no VAR really a solution? Far from it! “Unbelievable! We equalized to make it 2-2, and that should never have been overturned. I usually support the referees, but today I’m not making a case for them,” vented Heidenheim’s coach Frank Schmidt following their 1-2 defeat to Hertha BSC in the DFB-Pokal.
Mainz player Dominik Kohr also expressed his fury after a 0-4 loss in the second round against FC Bayern. “The second goal was offside, and for the fourth goal, I got knocked around a bit. It became clear to me that the referee was wearing a Bayern shirt,” Kohr complained about Sascha Stegemann, openly accusing him of giving Bayern a “favor.”
In Stuttgart, a significant officiating error nearly cost VfB their progression in a close 2-1 win over Kaiserslautern. Even the referee admitted it was embarrassing. “Today was one of those games where I wished we had VAR,” Daniel Schlager confessed to Sky. He offered an apology to VfB after the match.
Protests Are Commonplace
So what’s the answer? VAR or not? Video assistants in the Cologne headquarters have been a source of heated debate in the Bundesliga for some time. It’s rare to have a match day without fierce protests, and many players, coaches, and especially fans are calling for a complete abolition of VAR. Yet, as seen in the early rounds of the cup, not having it brings its own issues.
Hellmut Krug, a former top referee involved in the implementation of video technology, believes the reasons for the many mistakes are evident. “The introduction of VAR was supposed to improve the referees. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case. Referees appear uncertain and seem to wait too often for VAR’s intervention; they sometimes come off as merely responding to external pressures,” Krug told ‘WAZ’.
Long-time critic Manuel Gräfe agrees with this assessment. “Without VAR, it’s even more evident: the quality just isn’t there—unfortunately!” the former FIFA referee wrote on X. He attributes this to “structural and personnel problems.” Mistakes are “not addressed, and criticism and help are dismissed or ignored while critical voices are silenced.”
Searching for Alternatives to VAR
Krug has specifically targeted Knut Kircher. “We’ve got a new head referee who stands up and claims everything is right. This approach doesn’t bring clarity,” the 68-year-old stated. Still, he added, “It would be wrong and unthinkable to abolish VAR completely. There would be a shocking error tomorrow, and it couldn’t be rectified.”
Kircher has also consistently attempted to temper the heated discussions. He recently acknowledged that VAR has been “too nitpicky and investigative” and clarified that “there should be no VAR in gray areas.” Therefore, he recently proposed a simplified alternative where a so-called Video Support system would allow coaches to challenge contentious decisions made by the officials, replacing VAR. However, Krug believes this isn’t a viable option, stating, “I warn against the Challenge. It won’t lead to any resolution.”
For now, any potential changes are merely speculative. Starting Friday, the Bundesliga will resume using VAR, and it will return for the DFB-Pokal from the round of 16 on—expect contentious decisions and passionate protests to follow.