Fiji Football Association has confirmed that they received an official complaint from Suva Football Association regarding a controversial call made by referee Andrew Achari during the opening semi-final of the 2014 INNK Mobile Battle of the Giants. Achari issued a red card to Suva defender Dave Radrigi after he received a second yellow card for an alleged dive in the Rewa 18-yard box. Radrigi’s first yellow card was for a crude tackle on a Rewa player earlier in the match.
Despite being reduced to ten players, Suva fought valiantly, ultimately losing the match 2-1 to Rewa, who advanced to the finals to be held at 3 PM at ANZ Stadium. Suva’s coach Gurjit Singh was critical of the referee’s decision, deeming it a “stupid call” that he believes influenced the outcome of the game. He called for a thorough review of the incident via video footage, asserting that it cost his team an essential chance to compete for victory.
In the aftermath, Singh expressed optimism for Suva’s upcoming third/fourth place playoff against Ba set for 1 PM. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his players due to fatigue but commended their effort against Rewa, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
Rewa’s coach Marika Rodu highlighted the emotional significance of their win, particularly given that his squad consisted of numerous young players. His strategy focused on avoiding penalties, planning for a decisive victory in extra time.
The competitive landscape of Fijian football continues to thrive, as fans fervently support their teams, looking forward to thrilling football matches ahead. Both Rewa and Suva have demonstrated dedication and passion on the field, setting the stage for more exciting encounters in the future.
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