BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
LATE REACTIONS to fouls on the pitch from match officials during the first season of the TSL 2021/2022 have drawn huge attention to football fans, supporters and players.
Players on several occasions showed their frustrations through close verbal contact with match official’s late response prior to decision making on the pitch.
Football fan Peter Talo, 40, who spoke to Rawsports said that referees should always be alert, watchful and on the field while taking the duty on the field.
“They play a huge role in the field, a dangerous role as well. Every decision they make affects everyone, whoever had attached to the happenings, spectators, fans, everyone.
“ They can make the game go bad or good, making players frustrated, destroying the spirit or moral of the game, so active and alertness is important for referee’s decision making,’’ said Talo.
He said that early response to fouls on the field is necessary for making a quick, fair and accurate decision for players on the pitch.
“Accurate response on the field is of importance for a well, smart and fair game control for everyone, on the bitch and off the pitch,’’ said Talo.
However in an interview with referee observer, a Mr. John Soapu he said that referee’s decision on the pitch will more effective with the use of a communication kit.
“Normally what helps a lot is our communication kit. However at the moment we had an issue with it. We use it in previous seasons where it helps us a lot on the pitch,’’ said Soapu.
He said that with the use of communication kit referees and their assistants can quickly response effectively to fouls on the pitch as they can communicate to each other efficiently.
“Referees did not make decision alone, we work with our assistance therefore referees sometimes blew the whistles depending on how well the two assistant also coordinating the match.
“A referee can see an offside on the pitch, however it must have to be confirmed by his/her assistance, hence the referees decision could be late, or delayed, that’s may be the complains of fans,’’ he said.
“Sometimes it is an advantage of the team, thus referees cannot blew the whistle straight after the foul but wait before making the decision. I think those are some of the main reasons fans need to understand,’’ said Soapu.
Meanwhile, in a recent press conference Thursday this week, TSL Games Director, Mr Gerald Oiaka said with the return of round two of TSL this Saturday they are looking forward to use the kit.
He highlighted and confirmed that the equipment’s has already arrived in Honiara but awaits its clearance and released from the Solomon Ports Customs before handing over to SIFF.
“The equipment’s have already arrived but was delayed due to some of the processes it have to go through. We hope that as long as the Custom have released the kits, we expect our match official to use it in the beginning of round two of TSL on Saturday,’’ said Oiaka.
