Southampton have issued a grovelling apology to their supporters and vowed to 'put things right' after losing their appeal over the Spygate saga. The club had challenged what they deemed a 'disproportionate' sanction from the EFL, but an independent panel rejected their argument on Wednesday evening.
As a result, Southampton have been removed from the Championship play-off final, with Middlesbrough now set to face Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The club admitted to spying on three opponents during the season, with the rule breach coming to light after a staff member was caught watching Middlesbrough's training session before the play-off semi-final.
In addition to missing out on the final, Southampton will start next season with a four-point deduction in the Championship. Further consequences are expected, with manager Tonda Eckert under scrutiny and FA charges likely to follow. Meanwhile, Southampton's players are reportedly considering legal action, having lost the chance at promotion to the Premier League through no fault of their own.
The south coast club maintains that the punishment does not fit the crime, but after the appeal rejection, they have begun to show introspection. Fans who purchased tickets for Wembley are due refunds after the season ended in dramatic and unprecedented circumstances.
In a statement, Southampton said: '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.'
