Was the ball on target? Viren Rasquinha points out controversial decision in Indian hockey team's defeat to Germany at Paris Olympics 2024

India lost to Germany 2-3 in the semi-final at Paris Olympics 2024.

A number of eyebrows were raised, with social media abuzz, as a controversial decision sealed the fate of the Indian men’s hockey team at Paris Olympics 2024. India suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat in the semi-final against Germany. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a penalty corner.

In fact, India had seven penalty corners in the first quarter, but could only convert one of them. India got a number of chances in open play too, to double their lead, but couldn’t convert any of them. Eventually, they were made to pay for it.

Germany gradually got into the game, and Gonzalo Peillat scored through a penalty corner in the 18th minute. India were missing Amit Rohidas in defence, especially as the first rusher during penalty corners.

In a controversial moment, Germany got a penalty stroke in the 27th minute and Christopher Ruhr made no mistake from the spot. India attacked hard and were finally rewarded in the thirty sixth minute, with Sukhjeet deflecting the drag-flick from Harmanpreet.

Both teams continued to have chances, and it was Germany who took the lead in the 54th minute, with Marco Mitcau scoring a stunner. India kept pressing and had a number of close chances but couldn’t find of the back of the net. Germany will play Netherlands in the final, while India will play Spain in the bronze medal match.

Also Read: Hockey at Paris Olympics 2024: Updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details

The controversial penalty stroke

Germany got a penalty corner in the 27th minute. Gonzalo Peillat sent a low hit, towards the right of the goal. The ball hit Jarmanpreet Singh’s foot, before rolling away.

The on-field umpire took a referral to check if the ball was on target. If the ball hits the body of the defender near the goal-line while being on target, a penalty stroke is awarded, else a penalty corner is awarded.

The third umpire had a check and awarded a stroke without much deliberation. Germany took the lead, thus causing a shift in momentum.

Social media was ablaze, with the presence of European umpires in a match against a European team, not auguring well with many.

There have been a number of controversial decisions going against India in the tournament, including the red card awarded to Rohidas against Great Britain in the quarterfinals. The defender was handed a one-match suspension later, resulting in him missing the semifinal.

Hockey India (HI) had officially lodged a complaint against quality of umpiring and decisions in Paris 2024 to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), pointing out the various decisions which went against them in the quarter-final, and urging them to raise the level of officiating.

I am sorry but the video umpire was so bad today. The penalty stroke that she gave was clearly going wide when it hit the shin pads of Jarmanpreet. @FIH_Hockey needs to get their act in order big time

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 6, 2024

Former Indian Hockey Captain Viren Rasquinha lambasted the video umpire on social media. “I am sorry but the video umpire was so bad today.

“The penalty stroke that she gave was going wide when it hit the shin pads of Jarmanpreet. @FIH_Hockey needs to get their act in order big time.”

The most successful team in the history of the Olympics, India would be hoping that they won’t be at the receiving end of similar decisions, when they take on Spain, in a bid to win a second consecutive bronze medal, and their twelfth Olympic medal.

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