Wed Oct 30 10:20:38 UTC 2024: ## Controversial Refereeing Decisions Spark Chaos at SAFF Women’s Championship Semi-Final
**Kathmandu, Nepal** – The semi-final match of the SAFF Women’s Championship between India and Nepal took a dramatic turn on Sunday, October 27th, as controversial refereeing decisions fueled crowd unrest and disrupted the game. The match, played in front of a packed stadium, ultimately saw India eliminated in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
The drama began in the first half when a potential handball penalty against an Indian player was not called by the referee. This decision sparked anger among Nepalese fans, raising the temperature inside the stadium. In the second half, the situation escalated when Nepal’s Rekha Poudel was shown a second yellow card and sent off, despite video replays suggesting a clean tackle. This decision ignited the crowd, who began throwing objects onto the field, resulting in an 11-minute delay.
Further chaos ensued when, following India’s goal in the 70th minute, the referee allowed Nepal to restart the game despite Indian players being out of position. Nepal scored from this opportunity, but the goal was disallowed after officials ruled that the game had not yet resumed. This sparked fierce protests from both teams and further inflamed the crowd, adding another lengthy delay to the match.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned the incidents, stating that the safety of players and staff is paramount. The federation plans to address the issues formally with SAFF to prevent similar occurrences in the future. They also called for improved crowd control and officiating standards in high-stakes matches, citing a similar incident that occurred in a recent U19 women’s game.
Despite the controversy, the Indian team displayed remarkable professionalism under challenging circumstances. The match ultimately saw Nepal advance to the final, where they will face Bangladesh.
First Piper 