KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu coach Peter Butler is shocked to discover that his six-month suspension could warrant the termination of his contract which only ends in November next year.
According to an FA of Malaysia ruling, the contract of a player or coach is deemed to be terminated if they are suspended for more than 30 days.
Butler received the letter of suspension from Terengganu FA secretary Abdullah Salleh on Thursday.
The Englishman said he would try to find an amicable solution and would submit an appeal against the suspension on Monday.
“I hope to settle this amicably but I will not take this lying down.
“I will consult my lawyer before pursuing matters further.
“I may even seek help from FAM,” he said yesterday.
Butler is still dumbfounded by the chain of events starting with his suspension and now possible sacking.
He was suspended and fined RM4,000 for speaking out, without the approval of the team management, against two players who breached discipline.
Butler said that if the FA wanted him to leave, it should be done in a dignified manner.
“Let the process be professional … not this way,” he said.
Butler is extremely disappointed that he has been punished for doing the right thing. “I have always placed emphasis on discipline and been transparent with the media,” he said.
Despite the problems, Butler finds great comfort in the support shown by the people of Terengganu.
“Fans have come up to me in places like the supermarket and told me that I did the right thing.
“I’m thankful for their support,” he said.-TheStaronline
