Olympic star receives 'exceptionally rare' red card after hitting opponent in the head

An Olympic athlete has received a rare red card after hitting his opponent in the head.

On Sunday, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games continued with the hockey quarter-final between Team GB and India at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.

Despite dominating the match, Team GB were held to a 1-1 draw by India, who had a man sent off in the 17th minute.

As per the BBC, red cards are exceptionally rare in hockey but Indian defender Amit Rohidas was sent off after catching William Calnan in the face with his raised stick. You can watch the footage of the incident below.

Although a man down, India held on and managed to sneak through to the semi-finals after winning the penalty shootout.

India’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh saved efforts from Conor Williamson and Phil Roper.

Reacting to Team GB’s defeat, gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics Kate Richardson Walsh said on BBC TV: “I am absolutely devastated for those GB men. This team is absolutely capable of being Olympic medallists, I have no doubt about that, but we are going to have to wait.

“Four years seems a long way away now.”

Meanwhile, Team GB captain David Ames, confirmed his retirement from the sport.

He said: “We worked so hard to be in this environment. It is hard to describe when you aren't in it - the sacrifice and everything you do.

“I am very proud to have been part of this journey and this team is going to be around for a very long time.”

India will now take on the winner of Germany vs Argentina in the semi-final.

On the other side of the draw, Spain managed to get the better of Belgium by winning 3-2 in the quarter-final. They will next face the winner of the Netherlands vs Australia in the next stage.