Interview

9 March Smith Video referral bizarre

Interview Date : 2010-03-09

Interview By: Times of India

Description :

The new video referral system at the Hockey World Cup was again the centre of controversy with South African captain Austin Smith calling it "bizarre" and not "perfect".

Though it was South Africa who benefited from the referral when field umpires - Roel van Eert of the Netherlands and Ged Curran of Scotland- disallowed hosts' goal in the 45th minute following a referral sought by the visitors, who claimed they had earned a penalty corner before India's goal-bound move.

South Africa's appeal was upheld by the video umpire Andy Mair and they converted the penalty corner to go 3-2 up.

"It is bizarre. The system is not perfect, the ball had come off an Indian player's stick on to the body, we were trying to defend Indian counter-attack as well as go for the referral, not sure if the umpire heard us. There is a flaw and it need to be ironed out," Smith said,

"There is also a need to be clear how long a play can go on after a team asks for a referral."

Smith said his team played a good game and they were lucky to split points with India.

"We did well in the first half. India pushed us back in the later part of the second half. We were lucky to get a point out of it. It is tough playing in such an environment."

South African coach Gregg Clark agreed with his captain. "It was a strange situation but ultimately the right decision was made. It is important that correct decisions are taken."

"We were fortunate to get a draw from the match. We gave away the possession far too much. The result is flattering for us."

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth has been among others to criticise the referral system in the World Cup.

Source TOI