In the first half last night, the commentator on German TV made a comment that the ref was constantly standing in the middle of the attacking formation for both sides i.e. in the no. 10 position or between the player and the no. 10, thus was forcing the play wide because he was in the way essentially. The analyst at half-time agreed with him. Maybe that affected the players playing the ball to him and not the playground bullying that is being suggested here.