Southampton players speak out after club’s playoff final expulsion over Spygate

Southampton players are starting to speak out on social media after the club’s playoff final expulsion over Spygate.

Just hours after the Saints failed with an appeal to be reinstated in the playoffs, arguing that the decision was ‘manifestly disproportionate’.

The original decision has been upheld, meaning Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in the Championship playoff final on Saturday, with kick-off at 3.30pm.

Leo Scienza wrote via Instagram: “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 wav 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.”

Leo Scienza on Instagram. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/LEpoEVMjsz

— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) May 20, 2026

Kuryu Matsuki also said in an Instagram post: “To all the fans and supporters, thank you very much for your incredible support throughout this season.

“It is difficult to put my feelings into words right now, but from the very beginning of the season, we set ourselves the goal of earning promotion to the Premier League, and every single day we fought together while supporting one another.

“And without a doubt, it was all of you – our lans and supporters – who stood by us until the very end and gave us the strength to keep moving forward.

“Thank you very much for everything.”

Kuryu Matsuki on Instagram. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/TQTXS06aM4

— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) May 20, 2026

Here’s how fans reacted as Southampton players speak out after the club’s playoff final expulsion over Spygate…

@BenW_03: That’s how you make a fucking statement @SouthamptonFC

@LFCDan09: First person connected with Saints acknowledging how many people have been affected by this instead of trivialising it and saying “no advantage was gained”…

@TakinLeTiss: Pure class from him. I wish the club held the same sentiments.

@Gary_SaintsFC: Class act on and off the pitch. Summed it up perfectly. We have all been let down by a few people within the club who believed they were above the rules. Devastating – and the repercussions will echo for a long long time. #SaintsFC

@Saints_Mike7167: I totally agree with him regarding us fans, we did our bit, the players did their bit, I believe we’re all crestfallen & heartbroken at what’s gone on Eckert can’t survive this, nor should he. I don’t know how the club can get the trust back from fans & players alike #SaintsFC

@southampton_fc: I go back to my point of the way they’ve let players down. Leo deserves everything in his career, can’t ask for a better professional. Trying to fulfil his lifelong dream of playing in the premier league. I’m so gutted for him, I hope he gets his move ❤️ #SaintsFC

@TG_Boro: Summed up perfectly. What an absolute mess. We didn’t want to go to Wembley like this. To the saints fans telling their kids they’re not going to Wembley anymore, my heart aches for you! But to the coaching staff and Harwood-Bellis, you got what you deserved

@sicemsam23: I love him. It makes me so sad he won’t be here next year.

@andy_mallaby: What a bloke. What a statement. Maybe that’s what can help unite the fans/players/club for next season. Hopefully a few more statements come out with such honesty.

@johnqueue: First bit of proper leadership from anyone at the club #saintsfc

@DavidPalman: Significantly more heartfelt and genuine words than the tripe to come out from the club. Gutted for him, gutted for all the players. They’ve been lied to and cheated too.

@ahelliwell101: We’ll never get to see him in a Saints shirt again, thanks Tonda

@Mitramonday: Leo – thank you. You have been nothing short of legendary this season. I’m so VERY sorry you got caught up in all this 😢😢😢

@Smith71Keith: That there sums up exactly what the club should be saying to its fans. As a Boro fan, good luck next season, with players like that you deserve better. Get the cheats sacked and go again.

@mini_smith97: Fair play to him. Classy, well written statement. He was your best player over the two legs and possibly for the season. Top player and deserves a prem move!

Southampton issue statement after losing their appeal to overturn playoff expulsion