Former Moroka Swallows coach Walter Rautmann has lashed out at the league for their decision in the punishment of the Dobsonville-based club.
The Dube Birds received only a monetary fine from the PSL's Disciplinary Committee for failing to honour two league matches against Mamelodi Sundowns, and then Golden Arrows towards the end of December due to unavailability of players who protested against unpaid salaries.
After appearing before the PSL's DC on Thursday and pleaded guilty to the charges by the League, Swallows were fined R1 million, with R600 000 of it suspended for 24 months on condition that during the period of suspension, the club is not found guilty of the same offence.
Defending champions Sundowns and Arrows have been awarded three points and three goals each for the missed fixtures against Swallows.
Rautmann expected Swallows to be docked points and expelled from the league.
The Good
"I've got a strong opinion on this and that (the outcome) is typical of South African football and it's a joke. I am a Swallows man through and through, having played for the club and coached the team on different occasions. I saved the club from relegation and my heart has always been with Swallows," said Rautmann.
The Bad
"Having said what I said, the decision taken against the club is an absolute joke for football and you've got to be honest about what's happening. Anywhere in the world, whether it's Manchester City or Bayern Munich, can you imagine what would happen if they didn't turn up for two games? It wouldn't be a money fine or anything like that, they would be docked 25 to 30 points. They would be kicked out to the second division. What has been done by the league in Swallows' situation is setting a precedent that you can do as you please and miss any game that you want to," the coach said.
The Ugly
"What nonsense is this? How can you get away with just a monetary fine for not turning up for not just one but two games? With respect to the supporters of the opposition teams who came to the game, having paid ticket money and all, what happens to them? Where in the world can you have something like this? It's impossible! I think not even one league under FIFA could have taken a decision like this. It's absolutely crazy that something like this has been done," he added.
"With decisions like these you aren't just punishing one team"
"Any team can win the league now because of something like this and any team can escape relegation because of something like this. This is crazy because with decisions like these you aren't just punishing one team but others too. Decisions like these can cost coaches their jobs. The main point here is that as a club you just can't not turn up for games. What if it happens again, where a club would decide not to honour their next three games knowing that they will get just a fine, while one of the teams that would be benefiting from those points would go on to win the league," concluded Rautmann.
Were you satisfied with the PSL's punishment of Swallows?
