The absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Indonesia’s national football competition has once again sparked controversy, this time revolving around the decision not to award a goal to Persija Jakarta player, Witan Sulaeman. Hamka Hamzah, the manager of RANS Nusantara FC, has weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for VAR in Indonesian football.
The contentious incident took place during a match between Persija and RANS, with RANS emerging victorious with a score of 2-1. The incident in question occurred in injury time when Witan Sulaeman’s shot hit the bar, crossed the goal line, and then rebounded out. However, the referee, obstructed by players, determined that it was not a goal without consulting the assistant referee.
In response to the incident, Hamka stressed the necessity of VAR in Indonesian football, stating, “Our football is in dire need of VAR. This incident highlights the potential for all teams to suffer from controversial decisions made by referees.” Emphasizing the importance of VAR in aiding referees to make crucial decisions, he urged for its implementation in the national competition.
The absence of VAR has led to heated debates and protests, especially considering the clear video evidence available that substantiates the fact that the ball crossed the goal line. Despite receiving vehement protests from Persija players on the field, the referee stood by the decision, bringing the match to a close.
The controversial nature of the referee’s decision prompted Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll to voice his protests at the end of the match. However, these efforts proved to be futile as the referee’s decision remained unchanged, leading Doll to express his disappointment with the referee’s performance through silence.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the need for VAR in Indonesian football, as the absence of this technology continues to raise questions about the fairness and accuracy of referee decisions in the national competition. With calls for VAR growing louder, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will heed these concerns and consider the implementation of VAR in future matches.
This latest controversy serves as a stark reminder of the impact that technology can have on the integrity of football matches, and the importance of ensuring that the right mechanisms are in place to assist referees in making accurate and fair decisions.
Leave a Reply