Ghanaian defender John Paintsil is taking legal action against South African newspaper The Citizen/Phakaaathi for claiming that he was sacked by Maritzburg United for misconduct.

Several reports claimed said Paintsil was declared surplus to requirements by coach Ernst Middendorp but the Citizen newspaper claimed the Ghanaian was fired because of misconduct and excessive partying in the squad.

The experienced right-back wanted Citizen Phakaaathi to retract their publication which he claims has caused him an irreparable damage to his reputation.

Paintsil says it will be tough for him to get a new club after he was painted in the media as a ‘party boy’.

Paintsil said he warned the newspaper about the report before they published but they still went ahead with the claim.

The newspaper defied Paintsil and took the risk like people taking a punt at Jackpot City which has forced the Ghanaian to move to take legal against the newspaper to clear him name.

“It is unfortunate that The Citizen/Phakaaathi continued to publish these false and defamatory allegations, which subsequently received widespread republication in media throughout the world, despite both the club and Mr Paintsil releasing statements to the media disputing the allegations," a statement from the lawyers of the Ghanaian read.

"As a result Mr Paintsil has instructed his legal representatives to take steps against The Citizen/Phakaaathi with a view to possible defamation proceedings being commenced.”

Paintsil was handed his dismissal letter last month along with the other senior player in the squad Ashley Hartog even though he has six months left on his contract.

Both players will see their contracts expire in June, with neither expecting to don the team's colours again under new coach Ernst Middendorp.