You learn and progress through mistakes. That is the core idea behind VAR evolution in Germany, a leading nation in video arbitration practices since 2017. The early days of technology in German football were rough. The sentiment many fans shared was simple: this is not football. Yet over time the system was refined and clearly mapped out.
The strongest example of progress recently occurred three weeks ago when technology fixed two serious issues in the Leverkusen-Bayern match (2-1). The Bavarian side remained gracious in defeat, and the show of sportsmanship helped to foster a healthier environment around refereeing decisions. This kind of moment contributes to a more constructive arbitration culture overall.
Referee’s comments
There is also a factor that many coaches and players in the Spanish League have long demanded, which did not used to apply as fully in the past. In Germany, referees can speak after matches if they choose. Explaining decisions and admitting mistakes is not a problem. One official noted, “I made two mistakes on the field. I should own them twice.” The Bundesliga centers the VAR process in Cologne, where the support system for officials has been praised. Tobias Stiller, the referee for the Leverkusen match on March 19, highlighted this collaboration.
A social post echoed the sentiment from fans and pundits alike, with Movistar Plus+ sharing commentary from the Bundesliga scene.
The referee issued two yellow cards under the review of VAR, initially believed to be simulation penalties. After watching the footage, Stiller handed two penalties: one for a Pavard foul and another for a handball that disrupted play. The sequence gave Leverkusen a win and left Bayern temporarily leaderless, sparking discussion about how VAR is used in high-stakes games. Stiller later described the close cooperation with VAR as life-saving for the flow of the match, apologizing to the players who were penalized.
“Football is no longer what it used to be”
Despite the defeat, Bayern did not question the process. Thomas Müller acknowledged the need for focus on broader issues beyond the match, while coach Julian Nagelsmann supported VAR use, noting that the two penalties were correctly awarded. The outcome briefly put Nagelsmann’s position under scrutiny, though the referee’s performance drew widespread praise for accuracy in two pivotal moments. Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Luke Hradecky also commended the officiating.
The episode fits a wider trend: criticism of VAR in Germany has cooled, even after moments of doubt. Some voices warned of a drift away from football’s core values, urging a return to a simpler game. Christian Streich, Freiburg’s coach in 2019, cautioned against losing sight of the essence of football, arguing that the technology should support, not overshadow, the sport.
Quick reviews
What echoes across the league is a call for fair-handed play and reasonable penalties. In Spain as well, there has been debate about penalties for hands and other contacts. Some veteran coaches argued for clear rules, while others warned of overreach. Polls have shown significant public appetite for thoughtful VAR use rather than overcorrection.
There was a period when the Bundesliga parted ways with its VAR chief, Hellmut Krug, after accusations of influencing a match early in the system’s introduction. Since then, the tone has calmed. Cologne-based officials focus on evident mistakes and aim to reduce endless reviews and friction. The balance is far from perfect, but steady improvements are evident.
Overall, the league emphasizes practical interventions that target obvious errors while limiting disruptions. The ongoing discussion remains vital, and the aim is to keep football moving, fair, and enjoyable for players and fans alike.
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