Rotterdam — AZ forward Mexx Meerdink condemned the officiating in a 2-0 loss to Feyenoord on October 10, 2026, after claiming the VAR system failed to show the correct footage during a disputed penalty decision. The incident occurred in the 41st minute of the Eredivisie top match at De Kuip, where Meerdink alleged he was fouled by Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, but the initial penalty award was overturned after the VAR review.
According to Telegraaf, the cameraman who captured the moment confirmed the VAR did not receive the footage showing Ernst’s right leg make contact with Meerdink. I’ve understood that he [Danny Makkelie] saw the wrong images,
Meerdink said, calling the decision “shocking.” The Telegraaf reported that the correct footage, which clearly depicted the contact, was only shown to Meerdink after the match.
https://x.com/AZAlkmaar/status/2108974760201748701
VAR Time Dispute and Controversial Review
The controversy extended beyond the footage itself. FCUpdate.nl noted that Makkelie’s VAR review lasted 58 seconds longer than the scheduled injury time, pausing play for four minutes and three seconds. The referee initially awarded a penalty after Meerdink fell near Ernst’s goal, but the VAR overruled the decision, leading to criticism from fans and analysts.
VAR Footage and Post-Match Confusion
Voetbalzone highlighted the confusion surrounding the VAR’s access to footage. A former Eredivisie referee, Kees Kwakman, questioned why the clear contact between Meerdink and Ernst was not shown to Makkelie. They had the footage, but they didn’t show it to him,
said Aletha Leidelmeijer, a sports analyst. Feyenoord goalkeeper Ernst later told ESPN that Makkelie informed him the contact was “too light” for a penalty, despite Meerdink’s claims of being hit.
https://x.com/AZAlkmaar/status/2108962562826015044
The KNVB did not confirm whether Makkelie or the VAR had access to the disputed footage. However, the cameraman’s account, as reported by Telegraaf, suggested the correct images were available but not transmitted to the VAR system. Meerdink’s frustration was compounded by the fact that he had previously scored a penalty in a September 27 international match, highlighting his reputation as a reliable spot-kick taker.