The recent controversy surrounding the disputed goal by Persija Jakarta player Witan Sulaeman has highlighted the urgent need for the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Indonesia’s national football competitions. Manager of RANS Nusantara FC, Hamka Hamzah, has expressed his views on the matter, emphasizing the crucial role of VAR in preventing such controversies from arising in the future.
During the 16th week of Liga 1 2023/2024, a match between Persija and RANS at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium resulted in a 2-1 victory for RANS. However, the decisive moment came in injury time when the ball kicked by Witan Sulaeman hit the bar, crossed the goal line, and then bounced out again. Unfortunately, the referee, obstructed by players, failed to see the ball’s position and ultimately disallowed the goal without consulting the assistant referee.
In response to the incident, Hamka Hamzah stressed the urgent need for VAR in Indonesian football, highlighting the unfair disadvantage that all teams face due to controversial referee decisions and emphasizing the role of VAR in assisting referees with crucial game-changing calls.
The controversial decision sparked a heated response from Persija Jakarta players and coach Thomas Doll, who protested the call to no avail. Coach Doll, disappointed with the referee’s performance, chose silence as a form of expressing his discontent with the outcome of the match.
The widespread video recordings of the incident clearly showed that the ball had indeed crossed the goal line before bouncing out, further fueling the debate surrounding the need for VAR in Indonesian football competitions. The lack of a video review system has raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of referee decisions, echoing the sentiments expressed by Hamka Hamzah and other football stakeholders.
This incident emphasizes the need for Indonesian football to prioritize the implementation of VAR to ensure fair and just outcomes in matches. The absence of technology-assisted decision-making has resulted in avoidable controversies and has significantly impacted the integrity of the game.
The call for VAR is not unfounded, as many international football leagues and competitions have successfully integrated this technology to enhance the accuracy of referee decisions and minimize contentious calls. The introduction of VAR in Indonesian football would undoubtedly elevate the standard of the sport and contribute to a more transparent and fair competition.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the disputed goal in the Persija vs. RANS match has shed light on the necessity of implementing VAR in Indonesian football. Stakeholders, including coaches, players, and management, have emphasized the need for technology-assisted decision-making to uphold the integrity and fairness of the sport. Moving forward, it is imperative for Indonesian football authorities to seriously consider the adoption of VAR to prevent future contentious incidents and elevate the overall standard of the game.
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