Five years for slapping umpire

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Disciplinary Board slapped Selangor Razak Cup player Rohizan Ramli with a five-year ban after finding him guilty of slapping an umpire.
The incident happened during the Division Two final of the Razak Cup on Aug 9, between Penang and Selangor, which Penang eventually won 3-2.
“The DB, chaired by Datuk G. Vijayanathan, felt that the player went overboard when he slapped an umpire, and then tried to hit him with a hockey stick. That is why he was slapped with a lengthy ban,” said MHF secretary Sgt Hashim Yusoff.
The incident happened in the last minute of regulation time, when Selangor’s Rohizan Ramli harassed umpire Syed Harun after he blew for a penalty corner.
Syed flashed a yellow card to Rohizan, who then slapped the umpire, and swung his stick which missed by inches.
The 46th Razak Cup also saw a record of sorts, as five red cards were flashed in nine days.
Among those who received the red card, was former International K. Gobinathan. Gobi, who turned out for Perak, verbally abused an umpire, and was immediately banned fot two matches.
The National Juniors also took part as an outfit in the Razak Cup, and there were moments of indiscipline which disrupted their matches.
“I have spoken to some of the players who argued with umpires during the Razak Cup, and told them that I will not tolerate it anymore.
“Indiscipline will not be tolerated during our preparations for the Junior World Cup next year. I will show the door to any player who feels he is bigger than the sport,” said National Juniors coach K. Rajan.