Amit Rohidas’ One-Match Ban: Hockey India Raises Concerns Over Umpiring (image-X/BoriaMajumdar)
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has handed a one-match suspension to India’s defender and first rusher Amit Rohidas after he was red-carded in the quarterfinal match against Great Britain in the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday.
Rohidas will miss India’s semifinal against Germany scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
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As the second quarter of the match against Great Britain commenced, Rohidas was dribbling in the midfield when his stick hit a rival player. In the 17th minute, he was handed a red card by the on-field umpire after the video was reviewed, and the decision to keep the one-match suspension was upheld.
The official statement read, “On 4 August 2024, ROHIDAS Amit (player No. 30 of India) was suspended for one (1) match for a Breach of the FIH Code of Conduct which occurred during match no. M32 India v Great Britain on 4th August, 2024. The suspension affects match no. M35 on 6th August 2024, where ROHIDAS Amit will not participate, and India will play with a squad of fifteen (15) players only.”
Despite playing the majority of the match with just 10 players against World No. 2 Great Britain, India clinched victory in a shootout, with seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh shining as the top performer at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hockey India raised serious concerns over the “quality of umpiring and decision-making,” specifically in the quarterfinal match. It highlighted the inconsistent use of video umpire reviews and the coaching of the Great Britain goalkeeper from behind the goalpost during the shoot-out.
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“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,” read the statement.
The Indian hockey team is one step closer to winning a second successive Olympic medal.
