Reaction as Southampton set to appeal play-off expulsion

Is there any hope for Saints fans?

The story isn't quite over yet - sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Southampton will lodge an appeal on Wednesday and will argue the punishment is disproportionate.

The English Football League said it would be "working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May".

It added that "subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday's fixture".

The appeal will be heard by an Independent League Arbitration panel with three new members.

Southampton to miss out on richest game in world football

The news came on Tuesday evening - Southampton thrown out of the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season.

Saints will now miss out on a game dubbed the richest in world football, with the winners of the play-off final guaranteed a minimum £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.

Middlesbrough, beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, have been reinstated and will now play Hull City on Saturday.

The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May.

The independent disciplinary commission also handed Southampton a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season.

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