Southampton fume after losing appeal over ‘disproportionate’ Spygate punishment

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert will not be going to Wembley (Picture: Getty Images)

Southampton will not play in the Championship play-off final after losing their appeal against their punishment over the Spygate scandal.

The Saints had booked their place at Wembley after beating Middlesbrough in the semi-finals, but were thrown out after admitting to spying on their opponent’s training session.

The club also admitted spying on opponents before two other Championship games earlier in the season.

As a result Southampton were thrown out of the play-offs, replaced by Middlesbrough in the final, and ...