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# Former Southampton striker breaks the mould with verdict on Spygate punishment

- **Source:** 
- **Club:** Middlesbrough
- **Original URL:** https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-southampton-striker-breaks-mould-33985990

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs after admitting multiple breaches of EFL regulations, including spying on three opponents in training ahead of games. The scandal blew up after Middlesbrough caught an analyst at Rockliffe before the play-off semi-final.

Despite the fact that both a three-man independent Disciplinary Commission and a three-man League Arbitration Panel have both ruled over the case and judged expulsion to be a just punishment, Southampton continue to bemoan the severity.

As do many ex-players with past association to the south coast club such as Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer and Kevin Phillips. But Austin, who made 81 appearances for the Saints between 2015 and 2019 has bucked the trend, instead going in hard on his former employees.

Austin told Sky Sports: Southampton have brought this on themselves. Let’s be clear about that. Southampton have brought a bad light on English football. And if we’re going to be honest, does the punishment fit the crime? I’m going to say yes.

“It happened years ago with Leeds United, but then the new ruling came in. We’re now talking about passage to the biggest game in the EFL season. The Championship play-off final - the biggest game in the EFL - with a prize of promotion to the Premier League.

“So the message had to be clear. If you even think about breaking the rules, these are the sanctions. The EFL have now shown everyone they’re not frightened to punish. For me, therefore, it fits the crime.

“I do feel sorry for the Southampton fans and the players. They aren’t part of this. But whoever at Southampton Football Club did know about this has made a nightmare decision and it’s ridiculous.”

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

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