Rohidas Faces One-Match Ban for India's Olympic HockeySemi-Final; HI Appeals

Paris, Aug 5 (PTI) India’s crucial defender and first rusher, Amit Rohidas, will not be available from Tuesday’s Olympic men’s hockey semifinal against Germany due to a one-match suspension received after his red car in the quarterfinal against Great Britain.

India will have only 15 players available for the key clash, the big setback for the eight-time Olympic champions. 

Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for a breach of FIH Code which happened during the India vs Great Britain match on August 4, a FIH Statement said and the ban affects match No. 35 , Rohidas won’t be available and Indian team will play with a squad of 15 players only. 

Rohidas was rushing to get the ball against Great Britain’s almost 40 minutes from the final hooter; his stick accidently hit the opponent player on Sunday.

Rohidas was occupied in the midfield slugfest against Will Calnan, second quarter of the against Great Britain. 

Rohidas swagged his stick and hit Calnan and face in an attempt to bolt Great Britain.

The on-field umpire at first did not rule the challenge to be a serious offense, but the umpire changed the decision when he saw the video referral and gave him a red card. 

Down to 10 men, the Indians, however, fought back for the remaining time of the match and defended tightly to hold Great Britain to a 1-1 draw at the end of added time. 

In the following shout-out, veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and courageous handed India 4-2 win to seal a second consecutive Olympic semifinal win. 

Hockey India Lodges plead against Rohidas and ban 

A riled Hockey India has already submitted an appeal against Rohidas and ban and a resolution on the matter will be taken by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Jury Bench later in a day. Amit has been banned from a match by the director. Hockey India has now pleaded against his ruling and will plead before the FIH Jury Bench, sources said.