Spurred by red card, video tablet in quarterfinal game against GB, Hockey India raises concerns on quality of umpiring at Paris 2024 Olympics
Hockey India (HI) has raised concerns about the quality of umpiring and decision-making following "several inconsistencies" in officiating during the India-Great Britain quarterfinal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday (August 4). The complaint focuses on a critical match between India and Great Britain, where decisions taken could have potentially influenced the game's outcome, according to HI.
The move comes after defender Amit Rohidas was shown a red card during the crucial quarterfinal game which resulted in the Indians having to play 42 minutes of the match with 10 players on the pitch.
Hockey India also sought to highlight the fact that GB goalkeeper Ollie Payne was receiving coaching from behind the goalpost during the vital shootout after the two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Additionally, the shootout was halted briefly after it was found that the Great Britain goalkeeper was using a video tablet during the shootout.
In a press release, Hockey India has claimed the above incidents have "undermined confidence in the officiating process" for players and fans alike. The apex body that governs Indian hockey has also called for a "thorough review" of all matters raised to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure fair play in future matches.
HI further alleged that "inconsistent video umpire reviews" with regard to the red card decision have "eroded trust" in the VRS system.
What exactly happened in the dramatic India-GB hockey quarterfinal?
The first of the quarterfinals of the men's hockey event at Paris 2024 will be remembered for a variety of reasons. Superlative saves by goalkeeper Sreejesh and India's ability to win the match with just 10 players on the pitch for 42 minutes were two big highlights of the contest.
The red card shown to Amit Rohidas, however, continues to be a talking point among the hockey fraternity and fans alike.
Great Britain had the better of the exchanges during the initial stages of the quarterfinal contest before Amit Rohidas swung his stick at Will Calnan, who was just behind the player from Odisha.
The on-field umpire, who spotted the incident, was not able to determine whether or not the strike was intentional and referred the matter to video umpire Ben Goentgen. The video umpire ruled that the strike was indeed deliberate and recommended a red card.
As a result of the verdict, Amit Rohidas, who is also a first runner in India's penalty corner defense, had to leave the field in the 18th minute.
While the 18th-minute red card was expected to give Great Britain a distinct advantage, it was the Indians who took the lead four minutes after Amit Rohidas was sent off.
Although Great Britain equalized soon after, Paul Revington's boys failed to score a second goal after being unable to combine effectively in and around the Indian circle.
When the three-time gold medalists did manage to direct a shot on target, Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh was on hand to stop the goalbound strikes. The two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time, necessitating a shootout to decide the outcome of the match.
An unusually long pause during the penalty shootout caused by an object placed on the pitch which was subsequently found to be a video tablet further tested the patience of the Indian camp.
The Indians play the winner of the fourth quarterfinal between Germany and Argentina in Tuesday's big semifinal of the men's hockey event at Paris 2024.