The footballing world was stunned on Tuesday after the EFL announced Southampton have been expelled from their Championship Play-Off Final against Hull City and will be replaced by Middlesbrough.
The Saints were kicked out of the post-season competition by an independent commission after admitting to a trio of spying offences, including against play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough earlier this month.
Windass calls for play-offs to be restarted
Wrexham forward Josh Windass has called for the Championship play-offs to be started again, with his team involved.
The independent commission has reinstated Boro, who will now face Hull in Saturday’s play-off final at Wembley, pending the outcome of Southampton’s appeal.
But Windass, whose Wrexham side finished one place outside the play-offs, says the four-team competition should be completely reset, with Wrexham taking Southampton’s place.
“This Southampton story is one of the maddest I’ve seen,” Windass wrote on his Instagram Story.
“But why isn’t the play-offs starting again with the 4 other teams? Boro v Hull would have been the semi!! Confused.”
Southampton have confirmed to the Press Association they will appeal against the sanctions imposed, with a league arbitration panel being convened on Wednesday to hear the appeal.
And Sky Sports have now shared some “breaking news” on the final, with Saints, Boro and Hull supporters all left in limbo this week.
EFL delay kick-off amid Southampton appeal
Sharing an update from the EFL live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday morning, Sky’s presenter revealed: “The breaking news is about Spygate.
“It’s about the kick-off time on the play-off final. It’s been confirmed that Hull against Middlesbrough will kick off at 15:30, it was due to be 16:30, however there’s an ongoing appeal process going on.
“If Southampton are successful in that appeal and it’s Hull City against Southampton, kick-off will remain at 16:30.
“I know you’re all asking why, at this stage I’ve got to admit, I don’t know!”
And while the reason has not been revealed, the change certainly suggests the EFL acknowledge Saints’ appeal could be successful, opening the door for yet another change of opposition for Hull.
Former Southampton striker Brett Ormerod has also claimed the EFL’s punishment is “overly harsh”.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live he said: “Why would Southampton feel the need to do it – simply because every club has a data analysis team.
“With my hand on my heart, I don’t see why they felt the need to do it. You can have all the data you want but it doesn’t win football matches – the players do.
“I do think it is overly harsh and I do hope it gets turned over on appeal. I feel sorry for the players and supporters.”
Southampton and Middlesbrough learn another spygate twist after Hull City claim
The Saints have been kicked out of the play-offs.
