Punishment 'harsh' but Saints 'stupid beyond belief'

Former Southampton manager Harry Redknapp feels the decision to expel the club from the Championship play-offs for the 'Spygate' scandal is a "very harsh" call.

Saints were set to face Hull City in Saturday's Wembley final but have now been replaced by Middlesbrough after an independent disciplinary commission removed them from the play-offs and docked them four points for next season.

Redknapp, who managed Southampton for 48 matches between 2004 and 2005, admitted the punishment was unexpected but said spying on the opposition was a "stupid" idea.

"I think it's very harsh, I didn't see that coming - I thought they would get a heavy fine," the 79-year-old told BBC Radio Solent.

"[What they have done] is so stupid it's beyond belief, what are you learning by someone filming a bit of training? What are you learning by watching them train for an hour? It was a ridiculous thing to do.

"They have made a big, big error and they have been severely punished, they really have.

"I don't know how it is going to pan out. We certainly haven't heard the last of it, it's a crazy situation. I thought they would get a massive fine but to be thrown out the play-off final is really very severe."

BBC Sport understands Saints are set to appeal against the decision on Wednesday afternoon but the club are yet to release a statement, with Saturday's play-off final just three days away.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, said they welcomed the ruling, claiming it "sends out a clear message regarding sporting integrity and conduct" within the game.

"Maybe the club has got to learn a lesson that it's something you can't do." Redknapp added.

"[Head coach Tonda] Eckert had done a good job, it's a shame really because they were probably the best team in the Championship towards the end of the season, they were absolutely flying.

"They'd have been big favourites to win the play-off final too.

"People follow the team all year through thick and thin, look forward to a day out at Wembley, and then it gets taken away by stupidity - I do certainly think it's too harsh for sure."