From the point of view of football referee Deniz Aytekin strengthens the recently published ARD documentary series about German referees the acceptance of his profession and also the video evidence (VAR).
The criticism he has received so far is “consistently positive” said the 45-year-old of the German Press Agency at the “Sport Bild” award in Hamburg. “It’s amazing what the guys in the video assistant center are doing. That’s why the documentary helps there too.”
Again and again criticism of VAR
The five-part series “Impartial – Germany’s elite referees” accompanies the professional referees in their work in the stadiums. “Many were surprised at what was behind it all,” said Aytekin. “The documentary helps you to see and appreciate our work very well,” he pushed after. “Ultimately, we also owe this transparency to the fans.” According to Aytekin, the TV series shows the referees from the “human side” and how “meticulous” and “elaborate” the work is.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR), introduced a good six years ago, repeatedly provokes criticism because mistakes are made despite the video aid. The DFB replies that the number of wrong decisions in particular – especially in the case of offside hits – has decreased significantly. “We won’t be able to achieve a 100% hit rate. You have to get that out of your head,” said Aytekin.