Dedicated teams made up for erring officials

PUNE, Feb 14: The second and the third division teams not only come out with the best of talents, but their patience too, as the curtains...

PUNE, Feb 14: The second and the third division teams not only come out with the best of talents, but their patience too, as the curtains came down on the PDFA Super League in the two divisions here recently.

Eighteen teams in the second and thirty five in the third division were in the fray gunning for a promotion. Five pools in the third, while the second division teams were split into two equal groups, played in an all play all basis. Teams topping each pool made it to the third division super leagues while in the second division the first two teams from both pools qualified, all selected on the basis of maximum points scored in the league phase. In the II division it was a battle between K P XI, SRPF, Parshuramians and Kirkee Blues, while from the III division Knights XI, Fatima XI, Jolly Ghorpuri, Thundercatz B’ and Shivajians Daund battled it out amongst themselves in the Super Leagues.

Knights XI have been the most outstanding outfit, maintaining a clear win record, their worst result being a draw against Fatima XI. On the other hand Fatima XI have been a trifle unlucky. After winning all their outings in the league phase they faltered in the super leagues, losing out by two points.

Parshuramians could consider themselves unfortunate, losing a crucial match to K P XI in spite of leading by three goals in the first-half. Had they won, it could have changed the standings in their favour. Later they did well to hold favourites SRPF to a goalless draw leaving the latter on tenter hooks. So was the case with Kirkee Blues. They fought tooth and nail to end up with a 1-1 draw against SRPF.

Their encounter with K P XI was embroiled with controversies galore. They protested a doubtful penalty decision, but carried on play, conceding the goal coming thereof. A second penalty in the latter half rubbed salt into their wounds. They finally walked off the field after one of their players was injured in a reckless tackle. Referee Fidellis must have had a nightmare giving all those decisions and being firm about the same. Two days later Shivajians Daund pulled a similar stunt walking off the ground protesting against a penalty decision.

The team’s behavior was definitely not warranted for. Certain players too have been at it, manhandling rivals. Although they were sent of the ground with red cards, further stringent action should be taken by the PDFA, if they have to prevent such incidents in future. The conduct of the matches by the PDFA officials was found wanting on quite a few occasions.

No doubt the referees do come under pressure, but this is no excuse. Doubtful decisions, and that too crucial ones like awarding a penalty to a team, were met with vehement protest. Such decisions can demoralise a team and even change the outcome of a match. The behavior of some teams has been quite unsporting and disgusting at times. Players surrounding the referee and needless arguments or appealing became common happenings. Use of expletives amongst rival players or even against the conducting officials has been rampant.

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At the Pune University ground, proceedings have turned violent at times. And with no security around the place it is fortunate that no one was grievously injured. The PDFA should formulate a set of guidelines, rules and regulations, a disciplinary code of conduct and even install a disciplinary committee which can take immediate action against erring players without dilly dallying.