Southampton was expelled from the Championship play-offs after an Independent Disciplinary Commission found breaches of EFL regulations related to spying on opponents’ training sessions. The club admitted spying on Middlesbrough’s training session before the first leg of their semi-final on May 9 and also spying ahead of regular season games. The commission ruled that Southampton would be replaced in the final by Middlesbrough. Southampton also received four points docked for the start of next season. The club announced it would appeal immediately, with the hearing scheduled for the same evening. The chief executive said punishment is necessary but argued the sanction is far more severe than the offence, citing comparisons with other penalties, and pledged to demonstrate change through further engagement with enforcement of the relevant regulation.
"Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons says the club was wrong to spy on opponents but claims the decision to expel them from the Championship play-offs is "manifestly disproportionate". An Independent Disciplinary Commission yesterday kicked Southampton out of the play-offs, ruling they would be replaced in the final by Middlesbrough. Saints admitted to spying on Boro's training session prior to the first leg of the semi-final between the sides on May 9 and also doing similar ahead of regular season games, in breach of EFL regulations."
"The South Coast club, who were also docked four points for the start of next season, announced immediately they would appeal with that hearing to be held this evening. Parsons admits the club need to be punished but says the severity of the sanction far outweighs the crime and also highlighted previous rulings handed out by either the EFL or Premier League by way of comparison."
"He wrote on the club's official website: "What happened was wrong. The club has admitted breaches of EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127. We are sorry to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters whose extraordinary loyalty and support this season deserved better from the club. " "We have provided our full co-operation to the EFL's investigation and disciplinary process. Following the appeal, we will also be writing to the EFL to volunteer our participation in a working group on the practical application and enforcement of Regulation 127 across the Championship. Contrition without change is hollow, and we intend to demonstrate change.""
"We cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence, says Southampton CEO He continued: "On the appeal itself: we accept that there should be a sanction. What we cannot accept is a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence. Whereas Leeds United was fined £200,000 for a similar offence, Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a"
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