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Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town CEO John Comitis says they are shocked at the decision to ban Mabhudi Khenyeza for 12 months for spitting and swearing an official.
The Premier Soccer League's Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday handed Khenyeza a 12-month ban after concluding its investigation into the incident which occurred in the Urban Warriors' fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld in April.
Khenyeza, 31, pleaded guilty of spitting and swearing at assistant official Zakhele Siwela and is now set to miss a full season of South African football.
Comitis, speaking to the Cape Times, said the ban is unfair on the player.
"Mabhuti is a breadwinner and has to support his family. We are outraged by the outcome. Players have done worse things on a football field and they weren't banned for a whole season.
"Football is a passionate sport, and sometimes people do and say things. Mabhuti did apologise for his actions, and he is really sorry," said Comitis.
Comitis said Ajax will help Khenyeza fight the ban, but admitted the player could be out in the cold if the appeal proves unsuccessful.
Khenyeza's contract at Ajax expires at the end of the month, but the club were keen to sign the striker for two more seasons.
"We have to check the findings and then appeal the case. But it might take a while, as the appeal will be heard by SAFA. However, this could have a massive impact for the club as far as Mabhuti is concerned."
The Premier Soccer League's Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday handed Khenyeza a 12-month ban after concluding its investigation into the incident which occurred in the Urban Warriors' fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld in April.
Khenyeza, 31, pleaded guilty of spitting and swearing at assistant official Zakhele Siwela and is now set to miss a full season of South African football.
Comitis, speaking to the Cape Times, said the ban is unfair on the player.
"Mabhuti is a breadwinner and has to support his family. We are outraged by the outcome. Players have done worse things on a football field and they weren't banned for a whole season.
"Football is a passionate sport, and sometimes people do and say things. Mabhuti did apologise for his actions, and he is really sorry," said Comitis.
Comitis said Ajax will help Khenyeza fight the ban, but admitted the player could be out in the cold if the appeal proves unsuccessful.
Khenyeza's contract at Ajax expires at the end of the month, but the club were keen to sign the striker for two more seasons.
"We have to check the findings and then appeal the case. But it might take a while, as the appeal will be heard by SAFA. However, this could have a massive impact for the club as far as Mabhuti is concerned."
