Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp has apologised to the National Soccer League and South African Football Association for statements he made in the media.

The 58-year-old has found himself in trouble with the NSL and Safa regarding his statements to the press over the state of refereeing in the league.

The Premier Soccer League contacted the Maritzburg coach about his statements and have now received an official apology from Middendorp.

Middendorp’s official letter of apology to the National Soccer League and the South African Football Association reads:

‘I herein acknowledge receipt of correspondence from the National Soccer League dated 04 October 2016 titled Statement made to the media on or about 20 April 2016 and Statements made to the media on or about 29 September, as well as one dated 24 October 2016 titled Statements made to the media on or about 24 October 2016.

‘I confirm that the statements alleged to have been made by myself are in fact a correct record of what I pronounced on the dates reflected on the documents.

‘After having done some introspection and having reflected on the statements I made during the interviews, I fully realise that they were improper and may have resulted in insinuations of intentions by the affected officials to deliberately disadvantage my team Maritzburg United FC. I also realise that the statements I made have violated Rule 54.4 of the Rules of the National Soccer League.

‘I herein apologise unconditionally and without reservation for making such statements and for any damage it may have caused the affected officials, the acting CEO and in particular the National Soccer League and Safa.

‘There was no malice intended when the statements were made. I did so under a lot of duress and frustration as a result of the outcomes and the way I had interpreted the unfolding of events.

‘I realise that I should have vented any frustrations or dissatisfaction through available channels within the NSL which would have constituted professional conduct on my part.

‘I have also been called for a meeting by the chairman of the club, Mr Farook Kadodia, who unreservedly expressed his disapproval of the media statements I had made because the insinuation would have been that the club was in support of it when in fact it was not.

‘I commit to upholding the rules of the National Soccer League whilst coaching at Maritzburg United or any other club in the League for that matter and that such statements will not be made again. It is my intention as a professional to make a positive contribution to the quality of football in South Africa and the image of the National Soccer League.’