Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final for spying

By Michael Kenrick 19/05/2026

7 Comments [Jump to last]

Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship play-offs this weekend after they admitted spying on three clubs in the season.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten by Southampton in the Championship play-off semi-final, have been reinstated and will now play Hull City this weekend for a hugely lucrative place in the Premier League next season.

As added punishment, the EFL's independent disciplinary commission also handed Southampton a 4-point deduction in the Championship for next season.

Reader Comments (7)

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Peter Mitchell
1 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:11:31

Southampton have been kicked out of the play-offs and deducted 4 points next season, for admitting to multiple offences in Spygate.

Kevin Molloy
2 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:21:50

I knew those officious twats would not be able to resist grandstanding about 'cheating'.

As if some blert with a camera made a difference between winning and losing that game. They should have been fined and the game replayed.

Peter Mitchell
3 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:24:15

Problem is, Kevin, they apparently did it multiple times to multiple teams, so very difficult to replay all those games.

Jack Convery
4 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:41:31

Southampton kicked out of play off final. Also deducted 4 points at start of next season. Middlesboro reinstated and will play Hull on Saturday.

Seems Saints also spied on Ipswich and Oxford during season.

Punishment seems a bit lenient to me.

Paul Griffiths
5 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:42:45

A staggeringly daft post Mr. Molloy with next to no understanding of the situation but - hey - another great opportunity to have a stab at erm 'officious twats' in the conspiracy spheres.

Should we now invite all our opponents to film our training sessions in the week before the game? Would you have any concerns about that?

There are more than a few reasons why you are so wrong, but I can't be arsed, silly leopards never change their spots.

Kevin Molloy
6 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:46:37

Not a silly leop-

You're a fuckin silly leopard!

Paul Griffiths
7 Posted 19/05/2026 at 19:51:30

What a mature considered and articulate response Mr. Molloy, as ever.

Answer the question: Should we now invite all our opponents to film our training sessions in the week before the game? Would you have any concerns about that?

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