Ric Charlesworth a loose cannon: Narinder Batra

Biswajyoti Brahma

The outspoken Australian coach Ric Charlesworth’s comments about lack of crowd in the stands during the Hockey World League Final sparked a controversy on Friday when he was slammed by Hockey India secretary Narinder Batra as a “loose cannon”.

Batra made the statement at a press conference held by FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather when a foreign journalist asked Batra for his reaction over Charlesworth’s criticism that lack of fans during the matches was a ‘disgrace’. “That’s a very strong word against my country and I object to that,” Batra said at the press conference.

Batra advised Charlesworth to learn how to speak while on tours. “I don’t comment on anything said by Ric Charlesworth. He is a loose cannon. He himself does not know what he speaks,” the HI secretary general said.

“He may be a genius in hockey but as far as communication is concerned, he is very poor. He needs to go back to basics of education and know how one should speak while you travel to a country. We don’t speak against countries on tour when there’s little crowd in stadiums. That man has a problem. He needs psychological treatment.”

Charlesworth, when told about Batra’s comments, said: “I have got no idea (why he said this). May be he needs some patients for his hospital. I am not sure what it’s all about.

It’s disappointing for everybody that there’s no crowd here. Two best teams are playing the semifinal and… there are just 400 people. The best players in the world are playing and it’s disappointing. I am just reflecting what other coaches are saying.”

Hockey Australia’s chief executive Cam Vale said Batra’s comments were “inappropriate”. “We will be discussing with Hockey India at the conclusion of this event, specific comments attributed to Dr Batra that we believe to be inappropriate regarding our respected head coach Ric Charlesworth,” said.

Meanwhile, Fairweather said the crowd turnout was not a disgrace. “This is not a disgrace, considering the feed is going to 150 countries in the world. We acknowledge this is an issue and we are working with our partners.” he said.