When Southampton fans can expect play-off final ticket refunds | OneFootball

Southampton supporters are set to be refunded for their tickets to the Championship play-off final following their club's expulsion

Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-off final, and supporters who purchased tickets for the Wembley Stadium showpiece event are consequently set to be refunded.

The Saints have also been deducted four points ahead of next season, having admitted to spying on play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough and committing the same offence against both Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular season.

Consequently, Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final will be played out between Boro and Hull City, who beat Millwall in the other semi-final.

Neither Hull nor Middlesbrough have reached the Premier League since they were relegated from the top flight alongside each other in 2017.

The Tigers have competed in League One more recently than they have been a Premier League club, as they won the third-tier title in 2021.

Southampton supporters learn when they will receive Championship play-off final ticket refunds

Southampton's sanction of being kicked out of the play-offs and deducted four points ahead of next season is strong, but the 'Spygate' saga is not set to end there.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Saints squad have missed out on potential bonuses of £250,000 per player for promotion back to the Premier League.

Tonda Eckert's players worked hard to secure a Championship play-off spot, having performed poorly at the beginning of the season, but they no longer have the opportunity to seal an immediate top-flight return, thanks to the actions of non-playing staff.

Meanwhile, speaking live on talkSPORT on Wednesday, Piers Morgan labelled Southampton as cheats and said they should be relegated, adding to the negative feeling currently surrounding the South Coast club.

The Saints are disliked by supporters of other Championship sides at present, not least by those of Middlesbrough and Hull, who have been affected by the 'Spygate' saga.

Talking to X, Matt Le Tissier said that Southampton must now work hard to recover from the reputational damage they have suffered in recent days.

Eckert's side appealed against the disciplinary commission's decision to kick them out of the play-offs, but it was unsuccessful, and they have been replaced by Middlesbrough in the final.

Southampton fans who bought tickets for the high-profile Wembley Stadium event are consequently seeking refunds.

An official statement released by the Saints on Thursday revealed that they have begun the refund process, and supporters can expect to receive their money within 10-14 working days.

The St Mary's Stadium faithful enjoyed going to Wembley for their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City last month, and would have loved to return to the national stadium for the Championship play-off final on May Bank Holiday weekend.

However, they have not been given that opportunity because of their club's spying antics.

Saints have let their supporters and players down

Southampton chose to spy on some of their Championship opponents this term, even though EFL rules prohibit observing or filming opposition training up to 72 hours before a match.

According to talkSPORT, an FA investigation into Eckert could lead to a ban from football, showing that the ramifications of 'Spygate' are far from over.

Saints supporters and players alike have fallen victim to the fact that their club's non-playing staff have decided to break EFL regulations this term.