The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and also filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May. Southampton won the semi-final against Middlesbrough and appealed the decision. Middlesbrough fans reacted to the punishment as fair, while local MP Andy McDonald urged Middlesbrough to withdraw its appeal. Former Southampton boss Harry Redknapp called the expulsion very harsh and expected a fine instead. The decision forced supporters to make last-minute arrangements to reach Wembley, where the match will kick off at 15:30 BST. A fan in Gran Canaria negotiated travel changes and described the outcome as a dream, while acknowledging the need to accept consequences.
"Tony Clish got the news while on holiday in Gran Canaria. He said his flight was not until Monday and he was in "domestic negotiation" over whether he could go back early for the game. "It's a dream, I'm in shock," he said. "For once in our lives, it's gone our way." He added he felt for Southampton fans, but "you do the crime, you've got to take the punishment"."
Read at www.bbc.com
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