Southampton appeal against expulsion from playoffs for spying is dismissed

Southampton’s appeal against their expulsion from the Championship playoff final for spying on opponents’ training sessions has been dismissed by an English Football League arbitration panel, leaving Middlesbrough to contest Saturday’s Wembley showpiece with Hull. The panel also confirmed the original decision of an independent disciplinary commission to deduct four Championship points from Southampton next season. It is a verdict that leaves the position of Tonda Eckert, the south coast club’s

While the 33-year-old German faces the sack, Southampton directors are facing the wrath of players furious at missing out on potential promotion bonuses and wage hikes. Tonda Eckert’s position as Southampton manager is in jeopardy after the spying revelations. 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. 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.” It seems that Southampton’s decision to preface the appeal against their expulsion from the Championship playoff final following the Spygate scandal with a pre-emptive strike failed spectacularly. Shortly before the hearing in front of a senior judge began, Southampton’s chief executive, Phil Parsons, claimed the original decision to throw them out of the playoffs and impose a four-point deduction next season was “manifestly disproportionate”. While Parsons was at pains to apologise for the espionage offences against Middlesbrough , Ipswich and Oxford his club had admitted in front of Tuesday’s disciplinary commission, he also said the punishment was markedly out of step with English football precedent. Southampton’s fury at the commission’s decision to reinstate Middlesbrough stemmed from the loss of an opportunity to clinch a promotion to the Premier League worth at least £200m to the playoff victors. “The commission was entitled to impose a sanction,” said Parsons.

Key points

• While the 33-year-old German faces the sack, Southampton directors are facing the wrath of players furious at missing out on potential promotion bonuses and wage hikes.
• Tonda Eckert’s position as Southampton manager is in jeopardy after the spying revelations.
• 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 apolo…
• “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 ha…
• “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.