JOHANNESBURG - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has put the Michael Morton and Hellings "Gabadinho" Mhango spitting saga to bed after handing both players match suspensions.
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt has confirmed that they will play without Mhango for the next five matches. The Malawian internationally was also missing in Wits triumph over Free State Stars in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout this past weekend.
"He has been handed a 6 match ban. We are not surprised. It is according to Fifa Rules. It is always a blow to lose any player and it is the case with Mhango but we have to find solutions," Hunt explained.
Mhango spat in Morton's face when Wits were thumped 3-0 by AmaZulu in the Absa Premiership encounter at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi last month. Morton retaliated and was red carded. He then served a two match suspension against Polokwane City and Platinum Stars.
AmaZulu's boss Cavin Johnson also explained that Morton missed the Kaizer Chiefs match because of suspension. Usuthu were humbled 3-0 by Chiefs in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout at Moses Mabhida Stadium this past weekend.
"Michael got a two extra match suspension. As to the reasons why he has been suspended I don't know. The charge has something to do with assault. He missed out because of that suspension and will miss out against Baroka FC," Johnson elaborated.
No excuse for the reaction, but when a fellow professional spits in your face it’s difficult to control your emotions...
— Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) September 20, 2017
Did I retaliate in an overly aggressive way to an incident? 100%.Did I react by ‘spitting back’?Absolutely NOT (disgraced by the accusation)
— Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) October 11, 2017