Southampton kicked out: Justice or tough decision?

Some Southampton fans were hoping that the true details of the spying incident involving Middlesbrough would help prove that there was some leniency in their punishment.

The spy is said to have walked a couple of hundred yards up a path to higher ground after stopping at the golf club of Southampton pundit International William Salt.

Sources told the BBC that the accused was just standing there pointing at his mobile phone while wearing headphones.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may be broadcasting the session live via video call.

Southampton supporter Cameron said he expected the knock-out from the play-offs to be a big chance, but felt the four-point drop for next season was too much.

“I was shocked to be honest,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

“I mean we knew the penalty would be severe from everything that was going to happen.

“After seeing what the image looks like with just the iPhone AirPods, OK, maybe it’s not that bad, but getting kicked out of the game and getting a four-point deduction seems pretty harsh.”

Saints fan Chris Jewell added: “I think it’s a bit unfair.

“I know we made a mistake, but how do you stop selling all these tickets, people booking coaches. I’m really upset about that.”

Middlesbrough fans who spoke to the BBC outside the club’s Riverside Stadium on Tuesday were understandably delighted.

Fan and podcaster Jimmy Lee said: “It was very unfair on the ethics of the game of football.

“If Southampton can play in the final on Saturday, what example will that set for everyone in football? Is it worth trying and cheating to get that unfair advantage?

“Thankfully, the EFL stood firm and handed out their penalty, knocking Southampton out of the final. Now is Middlesbrough’s chance to play Hull and secure promotion to the Premier League.”

Supporter Chris Saunders added: “I’m shocked. This kind of thing doesn’t happen to Boro – we’ve got our hopes up and bitter disappointment. I was expecting them to get away with it and a big penalty.”

There will be some frustration for Hull as they prepare to face an opponent, but they now have just three more days to train.

Before the decision was announced, Hull City deputy manager Dean Holden said on Monday Night Club that the club would be prepared for any eventuality.

“If something changes in the next few days, we will have to adapt to that,” he said.

“Obviously a lot of emotion, a lot of nervous energy, going into this big occasion and for us players to go out there and not think.

From the teams we play, we’ve adapted better in terms of injuries and we’ve found ways to win.

There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Southampton’s appeal, according to BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White.

“Questions will be raised as to whether Hull City have considered their legal position on all matters.

“But I think there are a lot of good professionals at Hull City. I’d be surprised if they didn’t do some sort of work, preparation or planning to be the opposition to Middlesbrough. They’ve been given three days’ notice to get ready for Middlesbrough in the end. So have they considered their legal position?

“The hope is when they go into the final and win the final and justice is done in that way. It’s cruel, it’s horrible and it’s not a good place for anyone to be. Southampton need to make their beds and go to bed.”