As a result, Middlesbrough are now set to compete in the play-off final against Hull City, pending an appeal from Southampton against the severity of the sanction following the “Spygate” scandal.
Southampton also face a four-point deduction for next season, and manager Tonda Eckert could face further disciplinary action.
Former Southampton manager Harry Redknapp described the expulsion as “very harsh” while speaking on BBC Radio Solent, but conceded that the spying incident was a “ridiculous thing to do”.
Southampton breached EFL regulations requiring clubs to act in good faith and forbidding observation of opponents’ training within 72 hours of a match.
