Johannesburg - Struggling Premier Soccer League club Jomo Cosmos have been hit with a R70 000 fine for fielding a suspended player.

Ousmane Berthe was selected for the clash with Platinum Stars in November whilst still officially banned and Cosmos have been punished as a result.

An official statement released by the PSL on Monday night reads: "Jomo Cosmos pleaded guilty to the charge of fielding a player that was ineligible to play in an ABSA Premiership match and were fined R70 000 at a PSL Disciplinary Committee on Monday.

"Cosmos player Ousmane Berthe received a red card on 01 November 2009 when they lost 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns. Berthe had to serve a three match suspension as this was his second red card of the season.

"However, Berthe was then fielded in a match against Platinum Stars on November 21 and this was the third game he had to miss.

"PSL DC prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed that the fine is R70 000 of which R60 000 is suspended and R10 000 payable immediately. Cosmos also have to pay the costs of the sitting which is R21 000.

"Stars did not lodge a protest for Cosmos fielding an ineligible player and won the game 2-0.

"In five other cases involving NFD clubs, they all pleaded guilty to misconduct with regards to arriving late at the compulsory pre-match meeting.

"FC Cape Town, Carara Kicks, African Warriors, Winners Park and Thanda Royal Zulu all paid the admission of guilt fine which is R5000."