Its surely the only course of action to avoid/minimise the massive legal battle that is coming from the other teams, who having trawled through CCTV, think they also have a case against them.I really can’t see Southampton being chucked out of the play offs. I suspect they will get a whacking fine, and maybe even a suspended points deduction, but the EFL will be hugely concerned about legal action.
The EFL will be desperate for Hull to win next week
They have to forfeit their game against Burra, 3-0 home win, so the aggregate score is 4-2 in Burra's favour. Let them play the final against Hull. Whoever wins goes up on merit, on a level playing field. Southampton for me CANNOT be allowed to progress to the PL or next year will be the Season of the Drones. Every club will be at it due to the rewards outweighing the risks. A fine is utterly meaningless imho unless, maybe it also comes with transfer embargos and/or huge points deduction as well.
If they're removed from the play offs, then through the summer the other clubs can put their cases, provide evidence and let Southampton offer a defence/mitigating circumstances. But my personal feeling is that EFL need to throw the absolute book at them, heavy/maximum penalties to send a clear message out about cheating. Relegation to L1, points deduction AND transfer embargo along with a fine. Draw a line in the sand. Then going forward it either stops or people recognise that the risk isn't worth the reward.
Last edited: