Saints begin refunding fans for play-off tickets and official travel

SAINTS have started processing refunds for all tickets and official travel bought for the Championship play-off final.

A statement issued on the club's website confirmed that refunds will return to the original method of payment used within 10 to 14 working days.

The process started after a League Arbitration Panel upheld Southampton's punishments for spygate, which also includes a four-point deduction for next season.

Saints had been given an increased Wembley allocation before being booted from the competition on Tuesday evening.

The St Mary's club admitted to spying on three opponents, including play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, breaching the EFL's regulations.

Boro, who Saints beat 2-1 in the semi-final, will instead face Hull City in the play-off final on Saturday, May 23.

"Southampton Football Club has today begun the process of issuing full refunds for all tickets and official travel bought by fans for the Championship Play-Off Final, as well as all booking fees," a statement on the club's website said.

"Refunds will be returned to the original method of payment. Due to the volume and following advice from our ticket provider, we understand that refunds should be in fans’ accounts within 10-14 working days."

Saints have said they will respond with "humility, accountability and determination to put things right".