VAR under fire on opening day

Berlin – The opening weekend of the Bundesliga season was blighted by a barrage of complaints about the video assistant referees (VAR) with Bayern Munich boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge calling for a task force to improve the system.

“It must be remedied as soon as possible, a task force should be formed to finally take care of things,” said Bayern’s chairman.

“VAR makes the game fairer, but I have the impression that the DFB (Ger- man Football Association) should implement professional structures.”

The VAR enjoyed a largely successful debut at the World Cup in Russia, but continues to be the source of much debate and disgruntlement in Germany.

Rummenigge fumed. “It leads to repeated discussions and criticism – the referees are being let down.”

VAR was not called into play on Friday after defending champions Bayern were awarded a late penalty, although replays showed Franck Ribery had jumped over a tackle and was not brought down in the area.

“Where was the video assistant?” fumed Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann, but even Bayern coach Niko Kovac admitted he would not have given the penalty.

Robert Lewandowski eventually converted the subsequent spot-kick in the 3-1 win over Hoffenheim – but only after a delay caused by the VAR insisting the penalty was retaken. –