Amit Rohidas to miss Olympic hockey semi-final against Germany, big setback for India

Amit Rohidas received a red card on directions of the video referee, after it deemed the player had intentionally hit William Calnan's face with his stick.

In a big setback, India's key defender and first rusher Amit Rohidas will miss Tuesday's Olympic men's hockey semi-final against Germany after he was handed a one-match suspension following his red card against Great Britain in the quarterfinal.

This means India will have only 15 players available for the key clash, which is big setback for the eight-time Olympic champions.

"Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for a breach of the FIH Code of Conduct which occurred during the India vs Great Britain match on August 4," a FIH official statement read.

This was in regard to Amit Rohidas, who received a red card on directions of the video referee, after it deemed the player had intentionally hit William Calnan's face with his stick. It took place when Rohidas was charging with the ball, but lost possession as two Great Britain players came from either sides. In the process to retrieve the ball, Rohidas' stick hit Calnan on his face, following which the latter immediately went to the ground.

"The suspension affects match No. 35 (India's semi-final match against Germany), where Amit Rohidas will not participate and India will play with a squad of 15 players only." Rohidas was sent off the pitch against Great Britain almost 40 minutes from the final hooter after his stick unintentionally hit a rival player on Sunday.

(With Agency Inputs)