New Delhi: It’s best to protest after you have won. And Hockey India (HI) has done just that.
Hours after a lion-hearted performance by 10-man India helped them pip Great Britain in a penalty shootout en route to the hockey semifinals, HI raised major concerns about the standard of umpiring at the Paris Olympics.
India played with a man short for 43 of the 60 minutes in the quarterfinal after experienced Odisha defender Amit Rohidas was shown the red card. Rohidas, one of the best defenders in world hockey against penalty corners, was challenged by Will Calnan from behind as he moved up with the ball.
However, Rohidas’ stick was in an awkward position and hit Calnan on the head. After a discussion among themselves, the umpires flashed a straight red card at the Indian player without any kind of caution.
India went on to take the lead soon after, through their talismanic skipper Harmanpreet Singh. And though Britain equalised, Indians defended heroically, led by PR Sreejesh under the bar. In the penalty shootout, Sreejesh against stood tall as India triumphed 4-2.
In a press release circulated in the media, the federation stated: “Hockey India has officially raised concerns about the quality of umpiring and decision-making in the ongoing Paris Olympic Games 2024. The complaint focuses on a critical match between India and Great Britain, where several inconsistencies in officiating potentially influenced the game’s outcome.”
HI went on to highlight the following key issues:
- Inconsistent video umpire reviews, particularly regarding the red card decision for an Indian player, which has eroded trust in the video review system.
- Coaching of a goalkeeper from behind the goalpost during the shootout.
- Use of a video tablet by a goalkeeper during the shootout.
“These incidents have undermined confidence in the officiating process among players, coaches, and fans. Hockey India calls for a thorough review of these matters to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure fair play in future matches,” the complaint said.
India await the winners of the Germany versus Argentina clash in the semifinal on August 6.
Spain upset defending Olympic champions Belgium 3-2 in the second quarterfinal, and will face the winners of the Australia versus Netherlands contest.
