An independent disciplinary panel has stripped Southampton of their place in the Premier League play-offs for spying on Middlesbrough, who had been knocked out in the semi-finals. Instead, Middlesbrough will have the chance to secure a place in the English top flight in Saturday's final against Hull.
Southampton has appealed the decision.
"We cannot accept a penalty that is disproportionate to the offence. When Leeds United were fined £200,000 for a similar offence, Southampton are being denied the opportunity to play a match worth over £200 million and that means so much to our staff, players and supporters."
