Stuttgart blame VAR inconsistency after Stiller’s knee clash

The match turned on Angelo Stiller’s knee‑to‑knee clash with Ozan Kabak inside Hoffenheim’s penalty area on Saturday, a moment that went unanswered by the video‑assistant referee in a Bundesliga clash, leaving VfB Stuttgart furious. The referee Sven Jablonski allowed play to continue, prompting the German side to question the consistency of the technology.

Stiller collision sparks VAR outcry

The collision saw Angelo Stiller and Ozan Kabak meet knee‑to‑knee inside the penalty area, leaving the midfielder in obvious discomfort. VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth argued that the contact warranted a clear penalty, stating “He gets a clear hit on the knee in the opposition penalty area.” Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß echoed the sentiment, adding “You immediately see how his knee flails away.”

The referee, Sven Jablonski, allowed play to continue and no VAR review was initiated, a decision that puzzled Stuttgart. Later, VAR assistant Tobias Welz intervened on a separate incident when Yanik Spalt appeared to handle the ball after an Adam Hlozek effort, ultimately ruling that Hlozek had handled the ball earlier and awarding Stuttgart a free kick. Wohlgemuth questioned the inconsistency, asking why the handball received a review while the Stiller‑Kabak clash did not.

Late injury and missed chances

Stiller attempted to carry on but was forced off roughly ten minutes later, marking his 100th Bundesliga appearance for the club. The club later confirmed he suffered a hematoma to his knee, though the full extent remained unclear.

Yanik Spalt replaced the injured midfielder, but Stuttgart struggled to replicate the rhythm that the Germany international had provided. Deniz Undav missed a clear late opportunity, opting to square the ball to Dzenan Pejcinovic rather than shoot from close range. The visitors created several chances but failed to find the net.

Hoffenheim took the lead twice through Adam Hlozek, who scored on counter‑attacks. Stuttgart were unable to convert their own opportunities and ultimately fell 2‑1.

The defeat left VfB Stuttgart frustrated, and the club now awaits further information on Stiller’s recovery. The VAR debate remains unresolved as Stuttgart continue to seek consistency in officiating.