Paris : India defeated Great Britain in the Shoot out in Men’s Hockey Quarter final to advance into the semi final. The match made many headlines, however, one of the most controversial topic that sparked criticisms was Britain Goalkeeper Ollie Payne’s usage of I-Pad during the Shootout.
Payne was reportedly allowed to keep an I-Pad during the Shoot Out, where he was seen recording every minute events of Indian team’s gameplay and so on. Cameras also caught him reading notes from the device.
It was after protests from India team and support staffs that referee forbade Payne to interfere and confiscate the device. Although India won the match, this shameful act sparked wide criticisms and controversy.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey reacted on the issue & urged for better referring these big stages like Olympics Quarter Finals.
Pointing out the rulebook he said, “According to the rule, notepads should not be kept on the side where the shootout is happening. This can cause a disturbance. Such high-level matches require more careful umpiring”.
Former Olympic medalist Gagan Narang took to social media to credit support staff member Shivendra Singh, who had spotted the Great Britain team using the iPad during the shootout.
“Without taking anything away from the players, Shivendra Singh’s keen observation skills during the shootout played a huge role in having an iPad taken off the field of play,” wrote Narang.
“Such efforts by the backroom staff deserves boundless praise,” he added.
Hockey India also protested against average referring in the case of showing defender Amit Rohidas red card with inconsistent video reviews, and Goalkeeper’s usage of I-Pad during the Shootout. India will next face Germany in the semi finals.
