Even the experienced Felix Zwayer has never experienced a football afternoon like this.

First, the goal-line technology sent him the wrong signal on the clock, then the 40-year-old whistled for three penalties within 15 minutes.

Following FSV Mainz 05's 4-0 (1-0) win against Arminia Bielefeld, Zwayer explained the blackout of the technical system on Saturday: "The provider has to evaluate it.

We heard that the system was checked during the game and that there was indeed a malfunction."

The game continued after a header from Moussa Niakhaté (15th minute).

A whistle sounded from Zwayer, who had received a corresponding signal, practically out of nowhere.

The referee then checked the goal score, which seemed strange to him, using the video images from the sidelines.

Despite the fourth defeat without a goal of his own, Bielefeld's Frank Kramer took it with humor: “You see.

If you go by it now: the more technology, the better.

Because then technology can overrule technology.”

National player Jonathan Burkardt scored the fastest goal of the current league season after 27 seconds for strong Mainz, and Niakhaté (65./penalty kick), Burkardt (75./penalty kick) and Marcus Ingvartsen (79./penalty kick) scored in front of 25,000 spectators stadium sold out according to Corona conditions.

"Things went well for us today," said head coach Bo Svensson, whose team can almost be happy about remaining in the class.

Bielefeld, on the other hand, has to look down after the victories of Stuttgart and Hertha.

The East Westphalians slipped to 17th place and are in a worse and worse position in the relegation battle.

“The fact is, we are currently going through a phase that we have to deal with.

Anyone who knows Arminia: we are now familiar with the relegation battle,” said Manuel Prietl with a dose of purposeful optimism.

Kramer was even clearer.

“We have to look in the mirror and roll up our sleeves real quick.

We have to show a different face – and a completely different one at that,” warned the head coach.

Directly after the international break, the direct duel with VfB Stuttgart awaits.

In view of the past few weeks and the lousy performance in Mainz, it could also be getting tight for Kramer.

"It's always a bit difficult to explain right after the game.

We didn't put it on the pitch the way we wanted at all," said Kramer.

The topic of the day, however, remained the goal-line technology and the oddity that was not decisive for the Mainz superiority.

Zwayer had the ambition to clarify the matter absolutely.

"I really wanted to.

I wanted to get my own picture.

It also gave me the opportunity to authentically convey the whole thing to the players," said Zwayer.

Mainz sports director Martin Schmidt also asked the referee immediately after the final whistle.

“Technology played a trick on that.

It was a technical error, that also exists, ”reported Schmidt.

The odd goal and three penalties in rapid succession were followed by a suitable ending: a streaker ran across the lawn, escaped from several stewards and made it back to the stands on its own.

The audience cheered.