Banning Royal AM the only option for PSL

THE scenes that unravelled at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday were an embarrassment for the country, the PSL and the beautiful game.

After a contentious build-up to the play-off/relegation that involved court cases, appeals and two judges deciding different verdicts, the match between Royal AM and Chippa United was set to be played after a U-turn from Shauwn Mkhize.

Moments before the game was to start, the Royal AM owner again did an about-turn, abandoning the encounter and conceding a 3-0 victory to the Chilli Boys. The decision by the club not to play cost broadcasters R800 000.

It put the entire process and the league into disrepute. I understand that every person and entity in the country is permitted to challenge the decision of our courts – it is a constitutional right – but Royal AM and its stakeholders have overstepped in their dispute.

A decision has been made by the high court, an appeal has been set aside, an interim order overturned and for all the club’s protestations that they are the victim, they too are guilty of holding the process in contempt.

The decision by Deputy Judge President Sutherland to dismiss their application to appeal the verdict that handed Sekhukhune three points, the GladAfrica Championship and automatic promotion is sound.

Attacking the integrity of a judge based on his or her race, as Mkhize did this past week, is also undignified.

The PSL must act quickly. The league cannot afford such acts of defiance. Reports suggest that the league is considering banning the club, and that might be their only recourse now.