The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Saturday apologised for the clock controversy that took place during the Indian women's team's semi final loss against Australia at the Commonwealth Games, saying it would "thoroughly review" the incident.
Both the hockey teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time in the semifinal on Friday. Australia took the lead in the 10th minute through Rebecca Greiner before Vandana Katariya equalised for India in the 49th minute.
India made an attacking start and had the first chance in the eighth minute but Australia survived a close shave. Australia took the lead in the 10th minute, courtesy a defensive lapse from India as Greiner deflected in Ambrosia Malone's cross.
Australia secured their first penalty corner in the next minute but Monika made a goalline save. Two minutes later, India earned their second penalty corner but wasted the opportunity.
The Indians did not lose heart and kept on mounting raids on the Australian defence which wilted for the first time in the competition in the 49th minute when Vandana Katariya neatly deflected in Sushila Chanu's defence splitting free hit from outside the circle to level the scores.
The Indians, however, should consider themselves unlucky as Rosie Malone initially missed her first attempt for Australia but the umpires gave her a second chance as the clock didn't start on time. Kaitlin Nobbs and Amy Lawton were the other scorers for the Hockeyroos in the shoot-out.
The Indians eventually lost the semifinal 0-3 in the shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time as the crowd booed the technical officials for the decision.
"In the semi-final match of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games between Australia and India (Women), the penalty shootout started mistakenly too early (the clock was not yet ready to operate), for which we apologise," FIH said in a statement.
"The process in place for such situations is that the penalty shootout has to be retaken, which was done. This incident will be thoroughly reviewed by the FIH in order to avoid any similar issues in the future," the statement added.
