Southampton lose SpyGate attraction and are out of Championship play-off closing
Southampton have learned the outcome of their appeal to be reinstated to the Championship play-off final after they were kicked out of the final against Hull City following the ‘SpyGate’ scandal
Southampton were kicked out of the play-off final after ‘SpyGate’(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Southampton have lost their appeal to be reinstated to the Championship play-off final against Hull City.
The Saints were kicked out of their Wembley clash against the Tigers on Saturday after admitting to breaking EFL rules around spying on other clubs following the ‘SpyGate’ scandal when a Southampton analyst was spotted filming Middlesbrough’s training session before their semi-final encounter.
Southampton beat Middlesbrough on aggregate over the two legs of the semi-final to set up a tie with Hull, who beat Millwall in the other semi-final. However, the Saints confessed to spying on Boro and two other teams earlier this season, breaching EFL rules.
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The St Mary’s club were subsequently expelled from the final, seeing Boro called back in. But Southampton promptly lodged an appeal and argued that the penalty is disproportionate to the offence. In addition to losing the opportunity to be promoted to the Premier League in a match worth £200million, the Saints were also been hit with a four-point deduction to be enforced next season.
Their case was heard by an independent league arbitration panel on Wednesday and the verdict was returned, with Southampton losing their appeal.
A Southampton statement read: “Southampton Football Club has this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not participate in Saturday’s Championship Play-Off Final.
“This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.
“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.
“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.
“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”
Hull City will face Middlesbrough at Wembley on Saturday.
