Ross Stewart’s World Cup joy overshadowed as Southampton expelled in Championship SpyGate | OneFootball

Ross Stewart’s day swung wildly, named in Scotland’s World Cup squad only hours before Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying on opponents.

Sunderland Echo reports that Stewart, 29, earned a recall after four years, named in Steve Clarke’s 26, having scored eight in his last 16 for Southampton.

His resurgence followed an injury-hit spell since leaving Wearside, yet the international high was eclipsed by a dramatic EFL ruling.

The sanction followed admissions of unauthorised observation and filming of opposition training. The case centred on Middlesbrough before the semi-final, with further incidents involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The Saints had beaten Middlesbrough over two legs to set up a Wembley final against Hull City, but Boro are now reinstated and will take their place. Southampton also received a four-point deduction for next season and are expected to appeal.

Stewart scored in the semi-final and seemed set for a promotion tilt, only for the campaign to end in extraordinary fashion. The saga has been dubbed SpyGate under EFL rules banning observation of rival sessions within 72 hours of a match.

By evening, the punishment had replaced his morning celebration ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup for 28 years. He remains revered on Wearside after 40 goals in 81 games and a key role in League One promotion.

He still has the World Cup to target, while appeals and potential legal challenges are expected, meaning SpyGate is unlikely to fade quickly.

Source: Sunderland Echo