The manager of RANS Nusantara FC, Hamka Hamzah, recently commented on the controversial decision made by the referee during the match between Persija Jakarta and RANS. The incident has ignited discussions about the urgent need for the implementation of video assistant referee (VAR) in national football competitions.
The controversy unfolded during the 16th week of Liga 1 2023/2024, when Persija hosted RANS at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi on Sunday, October 22. Despite a 2-1 victory for RANS, the match was overshadowed by a contentious decision regarding a goal scored by Witan Sulaeman in injury time.
The situation arose when Witan Sulaeman’s shot hit the crossbar and crossed the goal line before bouncing back out. Unfortunately, the referee, whose view of the play was obstructed by several players, did not consult with the assistant referee before making a decision to disallow the goal.
Hamka Hamzah emphasized the need for VAR in Indonesian football, stating, “Our football is already in dire need of VAR. As I have always maintained, all teams will undoubtedly be affected by the referee’s decisions. Therefore, VAR is essential in assisting referees to make crucial decisions.”
The referee’s verdict in the match has stirred up a heated atmosphere, as multiple video recordings clearly show that Witan’s shot did, in fact, cross the goal line before bouncing back out. Despite the protests from Persija players on the field, the referee’s decision stood, and the match concluded with the same outcome.
Responding to the controversial decision, Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll expressed his dissatisfaction by participating in post-match protests. However, his efforts did not lead to a change in the result, prompting Doll to convey his disappointment with the referee’s performance through silence.
The incident has reignited the conversation about the introduction of VAR in Indonesian football, with many echoing the sentiment that such technology is crucial in ensuring fair and accurate refereeing decisions.
In conclusion, the contentious decision made by the referee during the Persija versus RANS match has underscored the necessity of VAR in Indonesian football. As the football community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this incident, the call for the implementation of VAR in national competitions grows louder. It is evident that the introduction of such technology will play a pivotal role in upholding fairness and accuracy in refereeing decisions, ultimately benefiting all teams and players involved.
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