23rdSaint

2 points per game we admitted to spying on in the league (Oxford and Ipswich), which becomes the precedent moving forwards.

Tough listen, particular as George Elek is such a sanctimonious wanker, but hard to disagree with much of it.

Icarus. Flew too close to the sun.

Then why release comms this morning that our game kicks off at 16:30 if we win our appeal?

Have the EFL rushed this on purpose, knowing we'd win the appeal? They'd then be able to come out against us strongly for putting the fixture – and wider game – into disrepute.

That really does not make for good reading

I generally like your posts, but your continuous need to refer to women as "birds" is really strange.

Sounds proportional... 🤯

Tip for Twitter: replace "x" or "twitter" with "xcancel" in the URL. https://xcancel.com/AdamBlackmore/status/2056658786475983116?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

So it's true...?!

It is. But he's on a clickbait podcast who've treated all speculation to date as fact. From the little I've seen of him, he's hyperbolic and partial to clicks himself.

Since when are we treating Football Martin as a credible source?

Oh, I agree. But they haven't been charged. And Leeds' multiple instances of spying were under 3.4. Not sure if within 72 hours mind, but if it wasn't, would that be the precedent? 🤷🏻‍♂️

For reg 127 (observing another club's training). Think we would still be in breach of reg 3.4 (acting in good faith)

All the Boro hacks are quiet today... 🧐

Read somewhere that he's stepping aside as conflict of interest, I think

😂

🚨🤓 Southampton Spygate personal view: 1. Expect the breaches will be straightforward to establish (ie liability) and almost certainly admitted to try and get some sanction credit/discount 2. Expect aggravating factors such as other examples of Soton spying this year to be raised 3. Fundamental question of how serious a breach of rule 127 and good faith is will be key. We know good faith alone was £200k in the Leeds case. The new rule makes it worse and spying obviously seeks a sporting advantage - why else do it? So that does point to sporting sanction of some sort 4. Being thrown out of the Play Offs appears excessive especially given Southampton finished 7 points clear of 6th and 9 clear of 7th 5. A 3-0 in the first leg would have been an option again excessive retrospectively unless 2nd leg re-playable (not feasible) 6. More likely sanction is points deduction next season in the Championship as much as that won't help Middlesboro 7. Unlikely that the PL will take a points deduction recommendation from the EFL (no fixed rule) - doubt EFL will push for it, so would apply in first season back in Championship (when and if) 8. My best guess is SIX EFL points in first season in EFL and £500k-£1m fine 9. Boro compensation claim can be dealt with separately subject to any claim brought by Boro - difficult claim to establish due to causation issues

I don't think they're on sale. It's "enquiries only"

Complaint raised. Worth using ChatGPT or an equivalent to get the tone of the complaint right:

If this is the alleged spot in question, I'm waiting for my EFL charge for spying Boro's half time training routine from my seat last night ScreenRecording_05-13-2026 11-16-52_1.mov

@Fleetbeast – oops, shot your load for today. Come back tomorrow 😘

From the website: As the club prepares for Tuesday night’s Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough at St Mary’s, we would like to remind supporters that entering the pitch or bringing pyrotechnics into the stadium is strictly prohibited. St Mary’s has been at its very best this season, with the support of our fans playing a vital part in the team’s journey to this stage. With emotions understandably running high ahead of a huge night under the lights, we are asking supporters to help protect both the team and the club by remaining in the stands at the final whistle and not using flares, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnics inside or outside the stadium. Following the play-off fixture against West Bromwich Albion in 2024, we were heavily sanctioned by the EFL after supporters entered the pitch and used pyrotechnics both before and during the game. These resources would be better directed towards improving the club's infrastructure and playing squad. The EFL and relevant authorities will have officials in attendance at Tuesday’s match, and the club has a duty to ensure the safety and security of all supporters, players and staff. Possession or use of pyrotechnics, including flares and smoke devices, is a criminal offence and supporters are reminded that pitch incursions are illegal and could result in arrest, prosecution and club bans. Something we don’t want to see any Saints fan have to endure. Whatever the result on Tuesday, the players and staff want to show their appreciation to supporters after the game, but this can only happen if the pitch is clear and safe. Tuesday night promises to be a special atmosphere at St Mary’s. Please make sure it’s remembered for the right reasons by staying off the pitch and not bringing pyrotechnics to the stadium. Bring the noise, roar the players on from the stands and let’s create the atmosphere St Mary’s is famous for. We probably should have thought about "these resources" before we were caught spying, but we should also probably refrain from exacerbating the situation...