VAR controversy in Netherlands‑Germany: Brian Brobbey blocks ter Stegen

In the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany, a goal by Virgil van Dijk was disallowed by the VAR after Brian Brobbey was deemed to have impeded German goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen, preventing the Dutch side from taking a 1‑0 lead.

VAR decision and official assessment

The video referee, Alejandro Hernández Hernández, reviewed the situation on his monitor. After ten minutes of review he concluded that Brian Brobbey had impeded German goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen. Therefore Virgil van Dijk's goal was not awarded. It remained unclear whether the foul fell within the rules.

According to the rules, an attacker may not hinder the goalkeeper in the five‑meter area, but the VAR decision made an exception. The disallowance kept the score level, preventing the Netherlands from maintaining a 1‑0 lead.

Supporters heckle the VAR

“Ten minutes watched and already three moments where the officiating fails.” reads one of the many responses on social media. Another user wrote: “Come on seriously, guys… no goal? That whole VAR saga was already a disgrace at the last World Cup, but it’s getting crazier.” A third comment says: “Not another referee again, huh…”

Readers pick Brobbey as striker, Veerman as midfielder for Netherlands

“If goals are being disallowed like this we’d better stop playing football,” shouts a supporter. “One day a referee should stand up to the VAR…” and “Where is this going with that VAR. No contact is allowed anymore. Not even very light contact. Shame.” follow as further expressions of discontent.

Deeper criticism of the referee

“Severe foul this. Ter Stegen being out for seven months seems quite severe,” says a commentator. “So Ter Stegen can first give Brobbey a little push? Strange decision this.” is then added. Another voice labels the situation as “Corrupt bunch…”.

The decision has unleashed a wave of outrage, with supporters branding the VAR as a disgrace and calling for more clarity in officiating. As long as the debate continues, the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany remains an example of the controversy surrounding video technology.