<p>The FIH World Cup witnessed its first controversy here on Tuesday when Japan ended up having 12 players on the pitch instead of a maximum of 11 during the dying moments of their Pool B game against Korea at the Kalinga Stadium.</p>.<p>Looking for an equaliser after earning a penalty corner right at the death, Japan ended up having an extra player which however didn’t help their cause as Korea defended strongly to walk away 2-1 winners.</p>.<p>While the on-field FIH officials failed to spot the Japanese intrusion, images of it quickly began to circulate on social media, leaving the world body embarrassed. </p>.<p>FIH admitted there was a lapse but said the Japanese committed the mistake inadvertently.</p>.<p>“After the match, the FIH Officials – who have not spotted this situation on the moment – have spoken to the Japanese team who explained that they hadn’t realised this and expressed their most sincere apologies.</p>.<p>“The FIH Officials have also explained the matter to the Korean team,” the world body said in a media statement.</p>.<p>FIH said they are investigating the matter but the final result, for now, will remain unaffected. </p>
<p>The FIH World Cup witnessed its first controversy here on Tuesday when Japan ended up having 12 players on the pitch instead of a maximum of 11 during the dying moments of their Pool B game against Korea at the Kalinga Stadium.</p>.<p>Looking for an equaliser after earning a penalty corner right at the death, Japan ended up having an extra player which however didn’t help their cause as Korea defended strongly to walk away 2-1 winners.</p>.<p>While the on-field FIH officials failed to spot the Japanese intrusion, images of it quickly began to circulate on social media, leaving the world body embarrassed. </p>.<p>FIH admitted there was a lapse but said the Japanese committed the mistake inadvertently.</p>.<p>“After the match, the FIH Officials – who have not spotted this situation on the moment – have spoken to the Japanese team who explained that they hadn’t realised this and expressed their most sincere apologies.</p>.<p>“The FIH Officials have also explained the matter to the Korean team,” the world body said in a media statement.</p>.<p>FIH said they are investigating the matter but the final result, for now, will remain unaffected. </p>
