Video: NFL Ref Calls Penalty in German During Giants vs. Panthers in Munich

NFL referees catered to the crowd during Sunday’s matchup between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.

Near the end of the first quarter, referee Shawn Hochuli announced a penalty to the fans while speaking German at Allianz Arena.

Panthers center Cade Mays was whistled for a false start with the ball at the Giants’ 30-yard line, leading to the announcement.

Hochuli isn’t the only member of his family to call a penalty in a different language. His father, Ed, is a former referee who officiated the NFL’s first game in Mexico during the 2005 season.

When announcing a penalty to the crowd, he explained the foul in Spanish.

The league has scheduled one game in Germany each year since 2022, with the first contest also taking place at Allianz Arena before the 2023 matchup occurred in Frankfurt.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also revealed that Berlin is a target city for the next game to be played in Germany during the 2025 season.

“We’re working on it, but it isn’t finalized,” Goodell said leading up to the clash between the Giants and Panthers, per James Ellingworth of the Associated Press. “We really feel like Berlin would be a great addition, so we’re looking very hard at that. Our people have been working very hard at it. But I want to add that does not mean we’re not going to be back in Frankfurt and Munich.”

Even if the league ultimately isn’t able to return to Munich, Hochuli could be overseas once again next season to make penalty announcements easier for German fans to understand.