Nick Harris

🚨 The EFL has now published written reasons in the 'Spygate' ruling against Southampton. Their playoff expulsion and four-point deduction was unanimously agreed. Southampton admitted all charges against them, hoping cooperation would help their case. Saints unsuccessfully argued there was no sporting advantage to spying on three Championship clubs. They tried to argue a £200k fine, as was given to Leeds, was sufficient. One of the most damning revelations is EFL evidence, agreed with by the panel, that Spygate was "authorised at senior level and the task was delegated to an intern [Will Salt]". The written reasons conclude Saints had "a determined plan from the top down to gain a competitive advantage in competitions of real significance by deliberate attendance at opposition training grounds for the purpose of obtaining tactical and selection information." Tonda Eckert testified he did not find the information useful, but this only further confirmed he was directly involved. Eckert asked for Oxford's formation and squad availability from Middlesbrough. The panel say it was "deplorable" to use junior members of staff to conduct clandestine operations" adding they were "put under pressure." They conclude the "integrity of the Playoffs was seriously violated". Eckert is in danger of being sacked by Southampton and sanctioned by the FA.

EXCLUSIVE: Update to the below, I understand that Southampton has called in Lord Pannick KC (of Man City 115, Partygate and Brexit fame) to also act in their appeal tonight.