Going all out: Sabah’s Stuart Wilkin (left) in action against Pahang’s Fadhli Shas during the Super League match at the Darulmakmur Stadium.. — Sabah FC Facebook
PETALING JAYA: Contentious refereeing decisions seem to be a hot topic in every Super League match week.
This time, Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee had a lot to say about it after being sent off in the 67th minute in his team’s 1-1 draw against Pahang at the Darulmakmur Stadium on Sunday.
Sabah’s goal was scored by Daniel Ting in the 14th minute while Kpah Sherman equalised for Pahang goal in the 26th minute.
He disputed a decision made by referee Nur Azriel Baharudin, who didn’t give the Rhinos a penalty in the 66th minute after striker Darren Lok was fouled by one of the Pahang defenders in the penalty box.
Sabah coach Ong Kim Swee (right)Kim Swee argued with Azriel and the man in black decided to send him off to the stands.
The former national coach was sarcastic about the red card issued to him.
“The referee is always right. You think the referee is always wrong. We wait lah,” he said.
“The match was live on Astro. You must ask the viewers whether it is a foul or not. I’m not going to answer. Don’t ask me, you will put me in trouble. I’m already in trouble.”
He said Sabah would always bounce back no matter what challenges were thrown at them.
“The bigger the problems, the stronger we will bounce back. The players and fans will understand the situation,” he said.
Sabah will next face Penang at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Friday.
“I hope when we play Penang, we won’t be playing against 14 players (including the three officials - one referee and two linesmen),” said Kim Swee.
Even Perak coach Datuk Lim Teong Kim chimed in on the refereeing issue by saying that he does not decide on the red cards.
“I do not decide on red cards, referees decide it. You watch it and ask the referee, do not ask me,” said Teong Kim.
“I hope you will see the videos and how our players get the yellow cards ... whether they deserve it or not, you decide, that’s all I can say.”
