Indian hockey player Amit Rohidas has been suspended for one match following a red card he received during the quarter-final match against Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This suspension will prevent him from participating in the crucial semi-final match against Germany, scheduled for August 6, 2024.
Incident Leading to Suspension
The incident occurred during the second quarter of the quarter-final match on August 4, where Rohidas clashed with British forward Will Calnan.
While attempting to regain possession of the ball, Rohidas swung his stick and inadvertently struck Calnan in the face.
Initially, the on-field referee did not deem the action serious enough to warrant a penalty. However, after a video referral, the decision was overturned, resulting in a red card being issued to Rohidas for a breach of the FIH Code of Conduct.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the suspension, stating, “Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for a breach of the FIH Code of Conduct which occurred during the India vs Great Britain match on August 4”.
Impact on the Indian Team
Rohidas’s absence is a significant blow to the Indian team, which has been performing well in the tournament.
The defender has been a key player, starting in all matches leading up to the semi-finals. His suspension means India will compete with only 15 players, limiting their options for drag-flickers and defensive strategies during the match against Germany.
Hockey India’s Response
In light of the red card decision, Hockey India lodged an official complaint regarding the quality of officiating during the match.
They raised concerns about inconsistencies in umpiring, particularly regarding the video referral process and other officiating decisions that may have influenced the game’s outcome.
Hockey India called for a thorough review to uphold the integrity of the sport.
Hockey India filed an appeal against the suspension, hoping to reinstate Rohidas for the semi-final. However, the FIH rejected this appeal, confirming that Rohidas would indeed miss the match against Germany.
The decision has sparked discussions about the need for clearer officiating standards and the impact of such suspensions on team dynamics during critical matches.
