Southampton

Former Southampton manager Harry Redknapp feels the decision to expel the club from the Championship play-offs for the 'Spygate' scandal is a "very harsh" call.

Saints were set to face Hull City in Saturday's Wembley final but have now been replaced by Middlesbrough after an independent disciplinary commission removed them from the play-offs and docked them four points for next season.

Redknapp, who managed Southampton for 48 matches between 2004 and 2005, admitted the punishment was unexpected but said spying on the opposition was a "stupid" idea.

"I think it's very harsh, I didn't see that coming - I thought they would get a heavy fine," the 79-year-old told BBC Radio Solent.

"[What they have done] is so stupid it's beyond belief, what are you learning by someone filming a bit of training? What are you learning by watching them train for an hour? It was a ridiculous thing to do.

"They have made a big, big error and they have been severely punished, they really have.

"I don't know how it is going to pan out. We certainly haven't heard the last of it, it's a crazy situation. I thought they would get a massive fine but to be thrown out the play-off final is really very severe."

BBC Sport understands Saints are set to appeal against the decision on Wednesday afternoon but the club are yet to release a statement, with Saturday's play-off final just three days away.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, said they welcomed the ruling, claiming it "sends out a clear message regarding sporting integrity and conduct" within the game.

"Maybe the club has got to learn a lesson that it's something you can't do." Redknapp added.

"[Head coach Tonda] Eckert had done a good job, it's a shame really because they were probably the best team in the Championship towards the end of the season, they were absolutely flying.

"They'd have been big favourites to win the play-off final too.

"People follow the team all year through thick and thin, look forward to a day out at Wembley, and then it gets taken away by stupidity - I do certainly think it's too harsh for sure."

Former Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem believes internal consequences are "absolutely" needed at the club after they were removed from the Championship play-offs.

Saints have been expelled from Saturday's play-off final for spying, replaced by Middlesbrough - who they beat 2-1 over two legs in the semi-final - and deducted four points for next season.

Tessem - who made more than 100 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals - believes people involved have to answer for their actions.

"The club have now lost the chance to win around £200m from the play-off final," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"There needs to be some responsibility now at Southampton - there has to be changes and decisions made at the club.

"This is not the way the football club we love should be run, this situation has put Saints in a really bad place with their reputation.

"There absolutely has to now be consequences within the club, there is no way around that."

Prior to Tuesday night's announcement by the EFL, Southampton were preparing to face Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The EFL shared that Saints had admitted to two further instances of spying, against Oxford United and Ipswich Town - two games they failed to win.

Despite the additional breaches, Tessem admitted he was still unsure if the punishment provided was one that matched the severity of the footballing crime.

"I'm in absolute shock, I can't believe it," Tessem added.

"It's an absolute scandal for the club, they've been hit with the hardest punishment they could have been possibly hit with, whether this is the right decision or not I'm not sure.

"This is not good news for this football club, I can only think that the fans must be furious about this.

"I'm speechless and disappointed the club had to go to these lengths to get their information, for Southampton Football Club this is a really sad day."

As of Wednesday morning, Saints are yet to release a statement of their own. The club are expected to appeal against their expulsion later in the day.

Martin Sanders
Southampton FC fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

As a Southampton supporter, I had been counting down the days to the play-off final on Saturday.

After a season where Saints produced some of the best football and consistency I've seen in years, it finally felt like the club was building real momentum again.

But over the last week and a bit, that excitement has been completely overshadowed by the allegations surrounding the club.

When the first stories emerged accusing Southampton of spying on Middlesbrough, I honestly thought it was just an attempt to unsettle Saints before such a massive game.

But once the EFL confirmed charges had been brought against the club, the mood amongst supporters quickly changed from disbelief to concern.

Suddenly, everyone was asking the same questions - how could this happen, who was responsible, and why was it allowed to reach this point?

What makes the whole situation even more disappointing is that Southampton Football Club is full of hardworking and genuine people.

From the incredible work done by the Saints Foundation to the staff behind the scenes, there are so many people connected to the club who care deeply about its reputation.

That is why these allegations feel so damaging, regardless of what the final outcome may be.

If wrongdoing is proven, then there absolutely has to be accountability within the club.

I just hope we can all go to Wembley on Saturday and enjoy the occasion, although, with everything that has happened it's hard to pretend it will feel quite the same as two years ago should we win.

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