'Video Tablet' Sparks Controversy After India vs Great Britain Olympics Hockey Match

India men's hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh may have been the talk of the town following India's victory over Great Britain in the quarterfinal at the Paris Olympics 2024, but opposing goalkeeper Ollie Payne also made headlines. The Great Britain goalkeeper was under the microscope, as he was initially allowed to keep an iPad with him during the shootout, which was protested by the Indian team. The referees - who have come under scrutiny from Hockey India - then decided to confiscate the device, before India took their second penalty.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey voiced his opinion on the incident, calling it a disturbance that must be avoided,

"According to the rules, notepads should not be kept on the side where the shootout is happening. This can cause a disturbance. Such high-level matches require more careful umpiring," said Tirkey.

Former Olympic medalist Gagan Narang took to social media to credit support staff member Shivendra Singh, who had spotted the Great Britain team using the iPad during the shootout.

"Without taking anything away from the players, Shivendra Singh's keen observation skills during the shootout played a huge role in having an iPad taken off the field of play," wrote Narang.

"Such efforts by the backroom staff deserves boundless praise," he added.

Hockey India raise concern regarding refereeing

Hockey India also released a statement on Sunday, highlighting serious concern regarding the standard of umpiring and decision-making at the Olympics. Hockey India raised concerns regarding the inconsistent usage of video reviews in the case of defender Amit Rohidas being shown a red card, as well as the use of the iPad by Ollie Payne.

Statement:

Inconsistent Video Umpire Reviews

Hockey India