The Southampton spygate fiasco was a case study in flawed supporter behaviour

Southampton missed promotion to the Premier League after being thrown out of the Championship play-offs for admitted breaches involving spying outside the training grounds of three clubs, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. The club’s appeal was dismissed quickly. Middlesbrough were reinstated and were sufficiently aggrieved to challenge the outcome. The consequences are expected to last, with no Southampton presence at Wembley. Supporters face a split response: some may defend the club or dismiss the harm, while others may be furious at the people who took a risky action. Players and supporters are described as the biggest losers, with some voices inside the club expressing a sense of injustice.

"Southampton missed out on the chance to win promotion back to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs despite reaching the final. There will be no Saints at Wembley. Having admitted to a series of breaches relating to their spying outside the training grounds of three clubs including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, Southampton were thrown out of the play-offs and their appeal quickly dismissed."

"It's easy to downplay the offences with which the Hampshire club were charged but the severity of the actions carried out in the name of the club isn't actually the point. Southampton clearly deemed it a worthwhile exercise. Middlesbrough, now reinstated, were sufficiently aggrieved to kick up a stink."

"However serious the breaches are, whatever the actual damage done to Boro's preparations, the Saints faithful could be defensive and dismissive, or livid with the people who took a stupid risk in the name of their club. A post shared by Southampton FC (@southamptonfc) A photo posted by on Whether they like it or not, there are people at Southampton who will now be forced to reflect on their choices, on the enormous and brazen risk they took, while others who had no say in it are left to count the cost."

"Saints' supporters and players are the biggest losers no matter the fallout in the days ahead. Winger Leo Scienza was among the first voices from within the club to hint at a sense of injustice pointed inwards rather than to the outside. "What has happened over the last days is heartbreaking," Scienza posted."

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