'Spygate' villains Southampton wouldn't be the first team to be kicked out of the play-offs

Southampton are waiting for the outcome of an EFL disciplinary hearing after being charged with watching a Middlesbrough training session on May 7, two days before their Championship play-off semi-final. An individual was reportedly filmed at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park base, and the Daily Mail identified the person as Southampton intern William Salt from manager Tonda Eckert’s backroom staff. Southampton drew 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium and then won 2-1 after extra time at St Mary’s to reach the Wembley final against Hull City. Ticket sales have begun, but the final’s status remains uncertain pending the commission’s decision. Possible sanctions include a fine, points deduction, or expulsion from the play-offs, with expulsion having occurred before in 1990 when Swindon Town were later affected after winning the play-offs.

"Southampton are waiting to find out if they will be punished over the 'spygate' row that has thrown the Championship play-offs into turmoil. Southampton were charged by the EFL with watching a Middlesbrough training session on Thursday, May 7, two days before the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Kim Hellberg's side. It came after an individual was spotted apparently filming Boro go through their drills at their Rockliffe Park base, with the Daily Mail identifying the 'spy' as Saints intern William Salt, a member of manager Tonda Eckert's backroom staff."

"Although both finalists started selling tickets last Friday, there is still uncertainty over if and when the game will go ahead, with an EFL independent disciplinary commission meeting today to decide Southampton's fate. The commission's decision is expected to be published later on Tuesday or on Wednesday, with several sanctions on the table if Saints are found guilty - including a fine, a points deduction and even expulsion from the play-offs."

"The latter punishment appears severe, but it wouldn't be the first time a team has been kicked out of the end-of-season shootout. In 1990, Swindon Town recorded their then highest-ever finish of fourth in Division Two under the management of Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina legend Ossie Ardiles. The Wiltshire club overcame Blackburn Rovers 4-2 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals, before beating Sunderland 1-0 at Wembley to re"

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