Olympic gold medallist Jamie Dwyer has taken aim at the officials after the Hockeyroos were eliminated in controversial fashion in Monday’s quarter-final loss to China.
After taking an early lead, the Aussies conceded three unanswered goals, including a bizarre video review that allowed China to extend their lead.
A second-half goal from Tatum Stewart set up a nail-biting finish, but China managed to hold on for the 3-2 triumph and advance to the semis at Paris 2024.
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The controversial decision for China’s second goal however was the major talking point, with ex-Hockeyroos star Georgie Parker fuming during commentary for Nine.
Her reaction to the decision was matched by Dwyer, who won gold with the Kookaburras in 2004, during the latest edition of Stan Sport’s Olympics Daily.
”I don’t want to blame the umpires, but I was a little bit angry last night watching the game with the video referrals,” he said.
“It was just inconsistent. All you want is consistency. That one that hit the Chinese thigh was an absolute howler from the video ref, which I’m disappointed at.
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“It doesn’t mean we would have won. I am not sure if the review would have changed the result but at the Olympic Games, which happen every four years, those decisions need to be spot on and that one was off.
“It was disappointing for the Hockeyroos, but I think they can hold their head up high.”
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After some quality performances in the group stage, many believed the Hockeyroos had a legitimate chance of taking out a medal in Paris.
Dwyer said the Aussies can take pride in the fact they performed at a high level as opposed to their own standards dropping on the biggest stage.
“When you lose at your best, I think it feels much better than when you lose when you’re not at your best and haven’t performed well,” he said.
“The Hockeyroos performed well and there were a lot of players that stood up.
“It just didn’t work out for this game.”