19 May 2026 22:22:30
Does anyone know more about the legislation than I do.
I'm reading Southampton have admitted these breaches/charges- yet they are appealing the decision made. Is this simply a delay tactic?
Seems they have form too and it wasn't just a one off! From what's been stated-it's happened 3 times that they're aware of.
Southampton saying it's disproportionate, but what other consequence could the realistically receive?
Seems fair to me - do the crime, do the time.
I hope it doesn't get overruled.
19 May 2026 22:29:47
It's harsh, imo, but could you imagine if we had an FA like that up here, given what the Tims have gotten away with this season.
19 May 2026 22:45:14
No idea, but they're making it up as they go. Leeds got a fine, but Southampton get thrown out of the competition and a point deduction when there's no punishment in the rules?
19 May 2026 22:53:43
There's no punishment in the rules?
That seems odd. Surely, there needs to be some sort of consequence outlined or everyone could just do it.
They've purposely gone out of their way to game an unfair advantage over another team, and it's a total lack of sportsmanship.
19 May 2026 23:00:51
I know, Gazza, it's mental. Just says you're not allowed to do it, but like other things they make up punishments as they go on an individual basis. Leaves it open to all sorts of legal issues, which is why they drag on for years.
20 May 2026 05:31:44
Kaiser, after Leeds they changed the rules and penalties to discourage others, so not making it up as they go along.
20 May 2026 07:42:34
They changed the rule, but without the penalty, Fifepl, which is why no one knew what the punishment would be, even though they had accepted guilt. It could have been anything from throw them out, 3-0 Boro, points deduction, or just a large fine. If it was in the rules, then Southampton wouldn't be able to appeal it.
20 May 2026 08:55:40
Just to add, it isn't even the EPL decision, but an independent 3 person panel. It's an absolute mess anyway.
20 May 2026 10:11:32
When it's spying purely for a knock out competition (as the play offs in England are), then the only penalty they can issue is expulsion from the competition. The points deduction for next season will get overturned, in my opinion, but there is no way that the expulsion from the play offs will be removed.
On a related note, I feel for the Southampton fans who will have booked tickets, transport and hotels for the final. Might be a lot of south coasters strolling about London looking lost this weekend!