The recent controversy surrounding the disallowed goal of Persija Jakarta player, Witan Sulaeman, has led RANS Nusantara FC manager Hamka Hamzah to advocate for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in national football competitions.
During the 16th week of the Liga 1 2023/2024 season, a match between Persija and RANS was held at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi on Sunday, October 22. RANS emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, but the game was marred by a contentious incident during injury time. Witan Sulaeman’s shot hit the crossbar and clearly crossed the goal line before bouncing back out of the net. Unfortunately, the referee, obstructed by players, was unable to see the ball’s position and ultimately decided not to award the goal without consulting the assistant referee.
In the aftermath of the match, Hamka expressed his belief that the use of VAR in Indonesian football could have prevented such controversies. In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Monday, October 23, he emphasized the necessity of VAR in the sport. He stressed that the current state of Indonesian football urgently requires the assistance of VAR, as it could greatly aid referees in making crucial decisions, ultimately reducing the likelihood of teams being disadvantaged due to erroneous calls.
The decision of the referee regarding the disallowed goal quickly sparked heated debates, especially after video footage clearly showed that the ball had indeed crossed the goal line. Despite protests from Persija players, the referee remained steadfast in his decision until the final whistle.
Following the match, Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll joined the protests against the controversial decision. However, despite their efforts, the referee’s decision stood, leading to a sense of disappointment and frustration among the Persija camp.
The incident has reignited discussions about the necessity of incorporating VAR in Indonesian football to ensure fair and accurate officiating. As the debate continues, it is clear that the introduction of VAR could significantly enhance the quality of refereeing in the country’s football competitions, and decrease the likelihood of contentious calls influencing match outcomes.
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