Ex-PL club chief slams EFL over Southampton punishment: 'They've created a monster here'

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(Credit: Imago/Manh Tung - Breaking Media) Thu 21 May 2026 16:06, UK Southampton have been hit with a “massively disproportionate” punishment after being removed from the Championship play-offs. Southampton were charged by the EFL with observing one of Middlesbrough’s training sessions before the two sides met in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

We have this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week.— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 20, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Have Southampton been unfairly treated in spygate saga?Southampton lost their appeal against the punishment on Wednesday (20 May), having admitted to spying on two other clubs alongside Middlesbrough this season. They’ve created a monster here, and it’s going to take a long time to resolve this.” Why Middlesbrough should not be involved in play-off finalWyness believes Middlesbrough shouldn’t have been reinstated to the play-offs after suffering defeat against Southampton.

“Middlesbrough lost their play-off game. A statement from MFC:Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.As a club, we are now focused on our game against… pic.twitter.com/6cjskjZKDY— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) May 19, 2026 View Tweet “I can see both sides as to why they’ve gone with this route.