Harwood-Bellis regretful of spying taunt

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has admitted he regrets taunting Middlesbrough players after his side scored a winner in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

After Shea Charles scored in extra-time to - at the time - send Saints through to Wembley, Harwood-Bellis was seen mimicking a pair of binoculars with his hands in the direction of Boro's Aidan Morris.

Southampton would later be removed from the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs, including Boro, during the Championship campaign and post-season.

"As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it's come to this," Harwood-Bellis posted on his Instagram account., external

"We worked so hard as a group to provide the football that you fans deserve. For those of us involved in the relegation, it only fuelled our comeback.

"I'd also like to put on record that, had I known the severity of the situation, I would never have done what I did on the pitch.

"In the moment, it was meant as a bit of fun in a situation that we as players were not informed about."

Following the EFL's dismissal of Southampton's appeal against the rulings, they will remain a Championship side and play next season in the second tier, with a four-point deduction on top.

Harwood-Bellis has been a key player for Eckert's side this season, returning to his form of two years ago under Russell Martin after a tough campaign in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting three.

"As fans, you've been unbelievable, our unbeaten run was driven by your passionate support," he added.

"We didn't start the season strongly, yet you still stood by us and believed in every single one of us.

"We can be proud that we battled through a tough Championship season together, and I'll always be grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way."