Ex-England stars Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior and James Taylor were among those to lay the boot in.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke β who spoke publicly on Australian TV on the weekend about how shattered he was to learn of this horrible development β was following Sutherland's press conference that started shortly after 4am AEDT and had some strong words of his own.
He appeared to suggest the whole story has not yet been revealed and said Australian cricket is in "deep s***" until the public is made aware of everything that happened and those in power take appropriate action.
Despite reports emerging from the UK yesterday Lehmann was set to resign within 24 hours, the head coach hasn't been found guilty of any wrongdoing, backing up Smith's claim at a press conference after day three that none of the coaching staff were involved.
However, the 48-year-old has received plenty of criticism for overseeing a deterioration of the culture within the national team that has led to one of the darkest days in Australian cricket history.
Kevin Pietersen had previously tweeted saying Lehmann's position was "untenable" and that he and bowling coach David Saker had to be "pretty instrumental in all of this". He was dumbfounded at the claim Lehmann was in the dark over the whole affair.
Former English quick Bob Willis shared that view.
"I find that almost unbelievable and I think Lehmann is very lucky to survive," Willis told Sky Sports. "I find it remarkable that he didn't know anything about this and he has been exonerated. Surely the head coach has to be part of the leadership group of an international cricket team?
"I would have thought his (Lehmann's) credibility was shot, the standards of behaviour have been very poor with Darren in charge of this Australia side and he is lucky to get off scot-free.
"Clearly the leadership group which Steve Smith referred in his press conference only included Warner, Smith and poor Bancroft β the lame duck if you like β who was sent out to do the dirty work."
Exact punishments were not yet revealed, but Sutherland revealed the sport's governing body would announce "significant sanctions" in the near future. He said "urgency must be balanced with the need for due process".
Sutherland also said Cricket Australia will "initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men's teams".
"I am angry and disappointed," Sutherland said, his voice trembling at times as he spoke at a press conference in South Africa. "This is not a good day for Australian cricket."
"It's about the integrity and reputation of Australian cricket and Australian sport.
"Ultimately it's about whether Australians can feel proud of their sporting teams.
"These sanctions will reflect the gravity with which we view what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.
"We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board."
