Tamil Nadu Dragons’ goalkeeper David Harte poured scorn on Hockey India League rules and officials after a controversial backstick review in the semi-finals which left his side “robbed” of reaching Saturday’s showpiece final.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers twice came from behind before beating Dragons 6-5 in a sudden death shoot-out to reach the final.
But the shoot-out hinged on Florent van Aubel’s effort which went upstairs to the third umpire after the Belgian was adjudged to have used backsticks during his eight seconds.
However, the goal stood — despite video replays and images suggesting otherwise.
“Absolutely gutted,” said Harte, who is playing for his second franchise after also starring in HIL 1.0. “When you put yourself into a semi-final you are only after one thing and that was taken away from us by really unfair circumstances. The whole world of hockey saw that.”
After finishing fourth in the league after losing to Soorma on Saturday, Harte added: “All credit to the team and franchise, it was a fabulous turnaround but unfortunately we came up short against a really good Soorma side today.
“But we were robbed. Everybody saw it, messages, images and videos showing the backstick through the shoot-out that cost us a place in the final.
“We were told that we couldn’t appeal it. Some regulations are rubbish but they were discussing onfield decisions. This is the third umpire.”
Tamil Nadu Dragons were leading the league until the final stages when, in their final match, they could have gone top or exited the tournament such was the tight confines at the summit as sides bid for last four berths.
“Incredibly proud of where we got to where we did,” noted Harte. “A fabulous group of guys but unfortunately the campaign finished on a really sour note.
“The umpiring and officiating level needs to improve. Us as players to come over here to play on a professional level didn’t match by the level of the officiating.”
