- Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on three opposing teams, including semi-finalists Middlesbrough.
- As a result, Middlesbrough are now set to compete in the play-off final against Hull City, pending an appeal from Southampton against the severity of the sanction following the “Spygate” scandal.
- Southampton also face a four-point deduction for next season, and manager Tonda Eckert could face further disciplinary action.
- Former Southampton manager Harry Redknapp described the expulsion as “very harsh” while speaking on BBC Radio Solent , but conceded that the spying incident was a “ridiculous thing to do”.
- Southampton breached EFL regulations requiring clubs to act in good faith and forbidding observation of opponents' training within 72 hours of a match.
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