AlexLaw76

because these clubs smell blood

Not sure what else the club could say whilst there is an appeal ongoing.. They state that Leeds got a £200k fine, whilst we got -4 points and removed form the opportunity to complete in a £200m one-off game. Then they state the comparisons that (factually) prove this. Remember, they are pissed that the team have been denied the opportunity to compete in the game (not that we will win it)

It does, as they were cheated against. The sanction is similar to another incident in an EFL competition recently

but is was the IDC that set the sanction. Unless they were bought? (of course not)

The kid was ultimately out of his depth. Needed to cheat and got hooked on it. Will probably leave the club by any means come the weekend.

it is exactly what they have done previously in a knockout competition, this is not new other than the stakes at play

because Boro were cheated against, Millwall were not (that we are aware of) What they have done is what has happened in other EFL knockout competitions, whether we agree with it or not

it isnt a £200m fine, there was no guarantee we would win.

why do it. The point is, we willfully, knowingly, and pre-designed our own downfall. If nothing is to be gained, why have we been (probably) at it since xmas?

I reckon we will get 2 points back at the appeal. Should get something given the club are "confident". they will be reinstated in the final. (remarkable)

This is far far removed from the "greatest era in our history" that Sports Republic are going to bring!

sources felt the Spygate hearing should have taken place after the play-off final, rather than being expedited by the EFL. They thought there were too many rules that had no defined sanctions, which left too much open to interpretation, and if the rules had been clearer, the incident would have been resolved more speedily. They also pointed out that Southampton put in one of their worst performances in recent months against Middlesbrough in the first leg, which suggested that no sporting advantage had been gained. [via @TheAthleticFC Southampton's appeal against the Spygate sanctions will be heard by one senior judge this afternoon, with a verdict expected to be delivered in the evening #saintsfc @TheAthleticFC

in what way have they handled this wrong? We fucked up, not them

Simon Jordan saying he is shocked that the sanction was the removal from a £200m game, but here we are. Also stated appeals are usually successful if new evidence is available, which would be a surprise in less than 24 hours. Issue here, this is a different dynamic to Leeds as that was in the league, and part of this is in a knock out competition. What is being discussed is that the impact of the crime is minimal and no way fits the act of the crime. But, The EFL clearly wants expel this act from being linked to the richest club game in world football.

But is is in The EFL, and that is all that matters

is it rife on the continent? Or is it more like the Premier League where a rule is not really in place to govern it. However, it is a clear rule in this league (which were in 2 years ago) and the Manager should have known (he clearly does)

No chance. We are out and trying to recoup what we can. At best, will be a few points.

Interesting official update from EFL who confirm that Saturday's Championship play-off final will kick-off at 3.30pm if it's Hull vs Middlesbrough, but 4.30pm if the ongoing appeal process results in Hull vs Saints. From Alfie House

Nick De Marco, who effectively got Leicester off with serious sanctions

We will cook next season...

what a team we will have.

Err..."one of the goals came straight off the training ground the day before"

remember, the opening gambit from us was that Will Salt was acting alone in all of this.....

NEW: Southampton call an “extraordinary exec meeting” today to discuss future of Tonda Eckert. An option on the table is to take legal action against its own Manager, although lesser actions including suspension are also being discussed. More to follow.

LeG is a known ITK. But 2 more to take note of