They offered him a stonking contract and when he wouldn't sign it they fucked him off to warn others. They have fuck you money.The comedy mum narrative is fun, but an over simplification... It's about contracts and his role at the club. i.e. Another player - as per your outlook - who can't nail down a spot in a "farmer" league.
Applying some kind of hoodoo to a club in the way you were seems silly.