Ockey a red-hot affair – for the wrong reasons
THE Sukma men’s hockey competition is turning out to be a fiery affair.
After just four days of competition in Kuching, three players have seen red!
Terengganu midfielder Muhammad Sufi Ismat Rohulamin is the latest to be given the marching orders for using foul language on umpire Mohd Haris in the 47th minute of his team’s Group B match against Sabah at the Paku Secondary School yesterday.
On the first day of the hockey competition, Selangor’s Muhd Zamri Mohd Zainal and Pahang forward Mohd Kamil Mohd Yusop were sent off by umpire Ahmad Nazirul, also in a Group B match, for fighting in the 63rd minute. Both the players were suspended for one match each and also issued a stern warning.
Tournament director Jusvir Singh said that Sufi had been suspended for one-match for using a “four-letter” word on umpire Haris.
“We have also issued a stern warning to him,” said Jusvir.
“There may be stiff competition among the teams to qualify for the semi-finals in the men’s Group B, but that doesn’t mean the players can get emotional and lose their temper.
“Three red cards flashed in four days ... is not good for hockey.”
Sufi will be suspended for the match against Selangor tomorrow.
Terengganu team manager Zaki Mohd Noor said that his players must learn to control their temper.
“Getting a red card will only affect the team’s performance. Our mission here is to qualify for the semi-finals. I want my players to focus on winning the remaining three matches so that we can reach the last four,” said Zaki.
Terengganu, the 2012 Sukma champions, have four points from one win, a draw and one defeat. Their remaining matches are against Selangor tomorrow, Negri Sembilan on Tuesday and Kelantan on Wednesday.
In yesterday’s match, Terengganu had to come back from a goal down to beat Sabah 3-1.
Mohd Dodi Musa gave Sabah the lead in the 18th minute before the east coast side stepped up a gear to hit back with goals from Mohd Akimullah Anuar Essok (24th), Mohd Shazwi Rani (54th) and Mohd Zainul Rusyaidi (55th).