Published in the Fiji Times on Sunday, August 31, 2014.
Fiji Football Association last night confirmed receiving complaint from Suva Football Association on referee Andrew Achari’s decision to give defender Dave Radrigi his marching orders in the opening semi-final of the (then) INNK Mobile Battle of the Giants.
Achari ordered Radrigai off the field in the first spell after the second yellow card for an alleged diving incident in the Rewa 18-yard box.
Radrigai was earlier cautioned for a crude tackle on a Rewa player.
Rewa eventually won the match 2-1 to advance to the final to be played at 3pm at the ANZ Stadium.
Fiji FA CEO Bob Kumar said they would review the video footage and take the appropriate action.
Suva coach Gurjit Singh lashed out at referee Achari saying it was a “stupid call”.
“According to me, that should have not been a red card. I think the Fiji Football should look at the video footage and see the incident and take proper action bceause that cann has cost us an important game.”
Suva will face Ba in the third/fourth place playoff at 1pm.
Siingh said they would try their berst to win the game.
“We played most of the game against Rewa with 10 players so there will be a lot of tired legs out there,” he said.
“It’s tough playing with 10 players but hats off to the boys. I think they gave their best against Rewa and we loof forward to the next game.
Meanwhile, Rewa coach Marika Rodu says the win was an emotional one for the team which had a number of young players.
Ha said the plan was to avoid the penalty kicks and score the winner in extra time.
