Will Still reacts to Leo Scienza's emotional Southampton message | OneFootball

Will Still has reacted to a message shared by Leo Scienza, who has spoken out following the news that Southampton have been kicked out of the playoffs

Southampton star Leo Scienza has issued a statement following the news that his club have been expelled from the Championship play-offs and deducted four points ahead of next season.

Scienza has been a key man for the Saints this term, scoring seven goals and producing 10 assists in 37 league appearances.

The 27-year-old also performed well in FA Cup victories over Premier League outfits Fulham and Arsenal, helping Southampton reach the semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the Saints have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs following their on-field victory over Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

Tonda Eckert's side were found guilty by the disciplinary commission of spying on a Boro training session ahead of the first leg of their play-off clash, while they also admitted to spying on Ipswich Town and Oxford United during the regular season.

EFL rules prohibit observing or filming opposition training up to 72 hours before a match, hence the sanctions that Southampton have been handed.

The Saints' appeal against being kicked out of the play-offs was unsuccessful, meaning that Middlesbrough will take on Hull City at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, with a place in the Premier League on the line.

Will Still reacts as Southampton ace Leo Scienza makes statement

Southampton players have been handed a unique set of circumstances now that their side have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs.

The Saints squad were looking forward to their opportunity to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but they can no longer do that thanks to the actions of their club's non-playing staff.

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton players have missed out on potential bonuses of £250,000, and several are now considering their legal options.

Meanwhile, taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Scienza wrote: "Disappointment, anger, sadness. It’s difficult to find the right words for what we’re all feeling right now.

"What has happened over the last days is heartbreaking. For the club, for every player in this dressing room, and, above all, for our supporters. A moment like this should never end the way it did.

"I feel sorry for every football fan, as well as the players and supporters of Hull and Boro, who were caught up in all of this chaos, too. We gave everything for this dream. Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring this club back to where it belongs.

"For me, the dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That’s why this pain cuts so deep. The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserved this moment.

"You stood behind us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the toughest moments, you carried us forward. Thank you for staying with us through everything. You definitely deserved better."

Scienza's emotional message attracted a like from former Southampton boss Will Still, who brought the winger to St Mary's Stadium in the summer transfer window.

Still's stint in the St Mary's dugout proved highly unsuccessful, as he was sacked in November, having won just two of the 13 Championship games he took charge of.

Southampton have endured a unique season that will likely never be emulated

Still arrived at Southampton with a strong reputation, thanks to his performances in charge of Lens and Reims in France.

However, when the 33-year-old was sacked by the Saints, they sat 21st in the Championship table, and at risk of entering a relegation battle, rather than a play-off push.

Eckert turned their on-field fortunes around, steering the South Coast club to the play-offs, where they played Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

Heartache soon came for Southampton players and supporters, though, as they were kicked out of the play-offs and deducted four points ahead of next season.

The Saints will likely never endure such circumstances again.