VAR Criticism Mounts in German Football Amid Disallowed Goals and Controversial Penalty Calls

German football continues to grapple with widespread dissatisfaction over the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during the 2026 season. Hertha Berlin captain Fabian Reese expressed deep frustration after his recent disallowed goal in a DFB-Pokal quarterfinal loss to Freiburg. Reese lamented that he has had four goals ruled out this season due to offside calls reviewed by VAR, including one he described as the “theft of the year,” a spectacular long-range goal disallowed for marginal offsideness. Following the 5-6 penalty shootout defeat, Reese declared, “I don’t know how many goals have been taken from me this season due to offside and VAR. I won’t celebrate anymore!” Despite this, he scored an important equalizer in extra time and contributed in the penalty shootout, with Hertha now focusing on Bundesliga promotion.

Meanwhile, Knut Kircher, the chief referee, critiqued the VAR process after a controversial penalty decision in a Bundesliga match between Mainz 05 and FC Augsburg. Kircher pinpointed a key failure of VAR to provide decisive evidence that either confirmed or overturned the on-field call. Referee Patrick Ittrich upheld a penalty after a lengthy VAR review that could not conclusively determine contact in a challenge. Kircher emphasized that VAR should aid referees clearly, noting the “final step in the process failed.” However, he also highlighted that the majority of matches in the top two German leagues proceed without VAR controversy. Kircher conceded that VAR is unlikely to become a fan favorite, but stressed the need for improvements to reduce dissatisfaction.

Together, these accounts underscore ongoing challenges in VAR’s implementation in German football, with both players and officials calling for more clarity, consistency, and fair application to preserve the sport’s integrity and passion.