A just or harsh punishment? Reaction to Southampton expulsion

Some Southampton fans hoped the actual details of the spying incident involving Middlesbrough might help ensure there was some leniency in their punishment.

The spy, Southampton analyst intern William Salt, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to a raised area of ground.

Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call.

Southampton fan Cameron said he expected expulsion from the play-offs was a strong possibility, but felt the four point deduction for next season in addition was too much.

"I am shocked, to be honest," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I mean, from everything that was going on, we knew the punishment was going to be harsh.

"After seeing the picture come out of what it was actually like with just an iPhone AirPods, we thought, okay, might not be that bad, but to be expelled from the play-offs and a four-point deduction seems way too harsh."

Fellow Saints fans Chris Jewell added: "I think it's a bit unfair.

"I know we have done wrong but how they can stop it when they have sold all these tickets, people have booked coaches. I am absolutely gutted about this."

Middlesbrough supporters speaking to the BBC outside the club's Riverside Stadium on Tuesday were understandably delighted.

Supporter and podcaster Jimmy Lees said: "It would have been massively unfair to the ethics of game of football.

"If Southampton were able to play in the final on Saturday, what example would that set for everyone else in football? Is it worth cheating to try and get that unfair advantage?

"Thankfully the EFL stood firm, gave their punishment and kicked Southampton out of the final. Now it is Middlesbrough's opportunity to play Hull and hopefully get Premier League promotion."

Fellow fan Chris Saunders added: "I am stunned. Stuff like this doesn't happen to Boro - we are used to our hopes being dashed and bitter disappointment. I was expecting them to get away with it and a big fine."

For Hull there will be some frustration that the team has been preparing to face one opponent but will now be taking on a different one with just three more days to train.

Prior to the decision being announced, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden said on the Monday Night Club that the club would be prepared for whatever eventuality.

"If anything changes in the next few days then we'll have to adapt to that," he said.

"There's obviously going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of nervous energy, going into such a big occasion and for us it's about the players going out there and not overthinking.

"We've adapted well to teams we're playing against, to injuries and we've found ways to win."

For BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White, there still remains too much uncertainty given Southampton's appeal.

"There will be questions about whether Hull City consider their legal position in all of it, because they have been put in a position where they have had a couple of days notice to prepare for Middlebsrough," he said.

"But I think there's too many good professionals at Hull City. I would be amazed if they hadn't done some sort of work, prep or plan for Middlesbrough being the opponent. Ultimately, in the public eye they have been given three days notice to prepare for Middlesbrough. So would they consider their legal standing?

"The hope is they go into the final, win the final, and justice has been done in that sense. It's mucky, it's horrible and not a nice position for anyone to be in. Southampton made their bed and have to lie in it."