The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

Southampton have been sensationally thrown out of the play-offs after they admitted they have spied on three separate clubs this season.

As a result of this ruling, Middlesbrough, who were their opponents in the semi-finals, have been reinstated and are set to play Hull City, who beat Millwall in the other play-off semi-finals.

Ipswich Town and Oxford United were the two other clubs that The Saints watched, illegally, this term.

If being thrown out and seeing their place to go to Middlesbrough in a game dubbed the richest in world football, with the winner set to receive a minimum of £110 million, is not enough, the South Coast side will have to deal with a four-point deduction for next season.

Southampton have said they plan to appeal the EFL’s ruling. As it stands, the Championship play-off final will go ahead this Saturday, 23rd May.