Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Australian coach Ric Charlesworth was critical of poor umpiring in the World Cup and asked the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to review the video referral system after the tournament.
“Three penalty corners were ruled against us and all of them were bad decisions. I am extremely angry. They (video umpires) are constantly making wrong decisions,” said Charlesworth after his team’s 2-0 win over Olympic silver medalists Spain at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here Saturday.

“I have told my players to play better, so that bad umpiring does not affect them. I am a strong supporter of the system, but the FIH should review it at the end of the tournament.”

The Australian coach said it becomes very difficult for the field umpire to observe each and every detail while ruling a penalty corner.

“So many things are happening in that small area. I know it is tough for the on-field umpire, but the video umpire should take a better call. We got 2-3 bad decisions today. They (Spaniards) were repeatedly pulling the shirts and sticks of our players and these things were not noticed,” he said.

Australian captain Jamie Dwyer was also unhappy with the umpiring. He, however, was relieved that his team is well on course for the semis.

“We have a huge goal difference and we are almost there. Today we played attacking hockey and against tough opponents. We are slowly reaching the stage where we want to be,” he said.