Chinese speed skating referee on controversial disqualification of Team China at PyeongChang 2018
By Hu Shichen
["china"]
The results of the women's short track speed skating 3,000m relay at the PyeongChang Olympics on Tuesday, during which China and Canada were disqualified, have caused quite a stir.
China’s short track speed skating head coach Li Yan has appealed to the ISU technique committee seeking a fair explanation of the results in the penalty-filled final.
Meanwhile, Chinese speed skating referee Wang Shian expressed his views about one of the most controversial moments at this year's Games.
"Regarding the regulations, the chief referee has the final decision about the penalty," said Wang.
"But, as I'm also a chief referee, I think the decision should be made objectively based on the referee's observations. "
"In the past, there would be five referees going through a deep discussion where the chief referee would announce the agreed-upon decision. If there is some disagreement, they replay the incident to have a final check,” he added.
“Although using the replay system is a progressive move, it should be considered as an auxiliary and nothing more. Physical contact is inevitable in short track and I think we should advocate that element. The penalty decision should have been made with consideration to the athlete’s positions which can change or be reversed. They shouldn't rely on the replay system that can just focus on tiny details and end up ignoring the skaters' overall performance."