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Middendorp still fumes at PSL

Johannesburg - Ernst Middendorp is still frustrated with the Premier Soccer League for moving Maritzburg United's Telkom Knockout semi-final to Chatsworth Stadium.

The Team of Choice were ousted 3-0 by Orlando Pirates on Sunday in a match that was meant to see them have home-ground advantage.

Instead, the PSL announced the tie would be moved away from Harry Gwala Stadium for "security reasons." However, United will entertain Bucs again this Friday in a league encounter and will be able to use their preferred venue.

"It is shocking that we were not allowed to use Harry Gwala on Sunday, but five days later, we can play against Pirates at night there," Middendorp said.

"We were put through so much frustration, but now that everybody got the final they wanted, they say it's OK, we can go back to Maritzburg."

"You have to think realistically why our semi-final was moved from Pietermaritzburg.

"Everybody knows that things have worked perfectly: now you have a Chiefs v Pirates final. All of a sudden we are told we can go back to our home ground."

However, new PSL general manager Derek Blackensee has shrugged off the German's claim of a conspiracy to ensure another Soweto derby in on the football calendar.

He told The Star the decision was "made by the police. They decided the risk profile of a league match and that of a cup semi-final are different".

Middendorp, who was sent to the stands in the semi-final, will begin a two-match ban on Friday, but still does not understand why referee Daniel Bennett gave him his marching orders.

"I merely questioned why the referee booked our player (Kurt) Leintjies for simulation, but he didn't even have a word with (Ezenwa) Otorugu (of Pirates) when he did the same thing. Then he sent me off. I was fighting for justice," he concluded.

The PSL could take further action against Middendorp for his latest outburst and his TKO final conspiracy theory. 
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