Overview

• In Köln–Stuttgart, VAR official Günter Perl alerted referee Matthias Jöllenbeck after contact between Marvin Schwäbe and Ermedin Demirovic, and a penalty was given following a lengthy review, drawing sharp protests from Cologne.
• Lukas Kwasniok said the video process makes outcomes more questionable rather than fairer and argued the referee looked pressured into the on‑field review.
• Rot-Weiss Essen’s Klaus Gjasula demanded sanctions for referees after a 68th‑minute red card at Waldhof Mannheim that TV replays suggested was excessive and that could not be checked because the 3. Liga has no VAR.
• Hansa Rostock condemned multiple decisions in a 1–1 draw with TSV Havelse, including Ahmet Gürleyen’s ninth‑minute dismissal and a rejected late penalty claim, with coach Daniel Brinkmann calling the red card unjust.
• Reporting noted the DFB’s internal referee evaluations and past practice of standing down officials after major errors, with no new disciplinary measures or reforms announced.