Amit Rohidas banned ahead of Indian hockey team's semi-final match at Paris Olympics 2024

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In a big blow to the Indian men's hockey team competing at the Paris Olympics 2024, defender Amit Rohidas was handed a one-match ban for his red card offence in the quarter-final match against Great Britain on Sunday, August 4.

Following the ban by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Amit Rohidas will not be able to feature in India's semi-final match now. Hockey India has already made an official complaint against the umpiring standards in their match against Great Britain which they won after a thrilling penalty shootout.

The controversial red card issued to Amit Rohidas in the 17th minute of the match was the first point in the official complaint filed by Hockey India. It raised questions on the video review system put in place to conduct a fair play.

"This is to inform you that Hockey India has officially raised concerns about the quality of umpiring and decision-making in the ongoing Paris Olympic Games 2024 (Men's tournament). The complaint focuses on a critical match between India and Great Britain, where several inconsistencies in officiating potentially influenced the game's outcome," a statement from Hockey India read.

"Inconsistent video umpire reviews, particularly regarding the red card decision for an Indian player, which has eroded trust in the video review system," it added.

"These incidents have undermined confidence in the officiating process among players, coaches, and fans. Hockey India calls for a thorough review of these matters to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure fair play in future matches," it added.

Rohidas was sent off the pitch almost 40 minutes from the final hooter after his stick unintentionally hit a rival player. After the incident, India chief coach Craig Fulton said he would back his player to the hilt, though he was unsure what led to the situation.

"I need to look at it, speak to him. But obviously, if someone gets hit to the head, something's wrong. But I will stand up for Amit. He's not that kind of player.

"You've always got to look where there's smoke, there's fire. So, what happened first, for that to happen and we'll just look to that. Not the other way," Fulton said after India beat Great Britain 4-2 in shoot-out after both the sides were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation 60 minutes.