Strong reactions have been heard from players after Southampton’s appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-offs and disciplinary sanctions was rejected.
Southampton were knocked out of the play-off chase last season after admitting to spying on three clubs. The initial punishment by the English Football League was for the club to film Middlesbrough whilst training on the day for the semi-final first leg on May 7.
Later an independent disciplinary commission imposed an additional 4-point penalty for the next Championship season. Appeal overturned and expulsion and sanctions confirmed despite Southampton’s appeal.
This means Middlesbrough (who lost in the semi-final against Southampton) are now back in the tournament. They will be heading to Hull in the play-off final to secure a Premier League spot.
The dust-up is now in the dressing room as players show their frustration openly now. This was a really emotional moment for the team and fans, said Leo Scienza, one of the highlight players of the season for Southampton with 37 appearances and seven goals to go with 10 assists.
Scienza posted a message on social media which read they were “stunned and heartbroken about how the season ended. His remarks echo the sentiment within the club of a campaign which has seen good improvement on the field, but the off-field consequences.
Kuryu Matsuki also expressed dismay, after Southampton struggled through the middle of the table from 21st to finish a top-four side thanks to the support of their fans.
