We've had to leave pretty early, get into Kings Cross at 10am. Not a massive problem for us, we'll drop our bags at the hotel, grab some lunch and head across to Wembley. Returns on the Saturday night looked like a squeeze, so quite happy we decided to stay over!
Match Day Thread Play Off Final. Hull City v Boro
- Thread starter Chazz Rheinhold
- Start date
-
Please bear with us on the new site integration and fixing any known bugs over the coming days. If you can not log in please try resetting your password and check your spam box. If you have tried these steps and are still struggling email [email protected] with your username/registered email address
-
We've had to leave pretty early, get into Kings Cross at 10am. Not a massive problem for us, we'll drop our bags at the hotel, grab some lunch and head across to Wembley. Returns on the Saturday night looked like a squeeze, so quite happy we decided to stay over!
tigermaul
Well-Known Member
I think all that has been said is that 'they aren't expected to contest the charges', and that only comes from journos, nothing official, as far as I know.
Not contest = admit in my world, but im not a lawyer!
We’ll be playing the spoons game and everyone will be sending you their table number.
Get braced for a pint of Guinness with a baked bean topper.
tigermaul
Well-Known Member
Well I think all that was said specifically in respect of the Boro case, not the other alleged instances.
I wouldn't want to play Boro who will suddenly be very up for a second chance.
But didn’t Boro & other clubs submit further evidence of spying?? Including evidence from an ex saints employee
Wouldn’t that be rolled up into one set of charges???
We're always **** against Boro, even when we win. Wouldn't fancy them at all.
If the match ends up playing as planned and Southhampton win. Then dont think we will be going into the premier league any time soon. I got this from AI when promted with this prompt: "lets say the match is played as planned and southampton win then middlesbrough sue how long wouldthat take to resolve".
If Southampton F.C. won promotion and Middlesbrough F.C. launched a serious legal challenge afterward, the whole thing could drag on for many months — potentially well into next season.
A realistic timeline would probably look something like this:
Football almost never rewinds completed seasons after the fact unless there was something truly extraordinary like outright match-fixing.
So even if wrongdoing were proven later, the more likely outcomes would be:
That’s why the EFL is under pressure to decide as much as possible before the final rather than after it.
If Southampton F.C. won promotion and Middlesbrough F.C. launched a serious legal challenge afterward, the whole thing could drag on for many months — potentially well into next season.
A realistic timeline would probably look something like this:
- Days/weeks after the final:
Formal EFL disciplinary hearings continue. - Summer 2026:
Appeals, legal submissions, independent panels, possible arbitration. - Start of next season:
Southampton could already be playing in the Premier League while the case is unresolved. - Late 2026 or even 2027:
Final legal/arbitration outcome if the dispute became a full-scale court battle.
Why it could take so long
There are several layers:1. EFL disciplinary process
The league would first:- investigate evidence,
- hold hearings,
- allow Southampton to defend themselves,
- issue sanctions if appropriate.
2. Appeals
Southampton would almost certainly appeal any severe sanction.3. Arbitration/court action
Middlesbrough might then:- challenge the adequacy of the punishment,
- seek damages,
- or seek sporting remedies.
- FA/EFL arbitration,
- Sports Resolutions UK,
- or ordinary civil courts.
Would they replay the playoff?
Almost certainly not.Football almost never rewinds completed seasons after the fact unless there was something truly extraordinary like outright match-fixing.
So even if wrongdoing were proven later, the more likely outcomes would be:
- fines,
- points deductions next season,
- compensation,
- transfer restrictions,
- suspensions for officials,
- or damages.
Could Southampton actually be removed later?
Technically possible, but practically very unlikely once:- the Premier League season starts,
- TV schedules are fixed,
- sponsorships/contracts activate,
- transfer windows occur.
That’s why the EFL is under pressure to decide as much as possible before the final rather than after it.
Hull’s position
If Hull lost the final and later evidence showed systematic cheating, Hull would also have a potential grievance because they could argue:- they should never have had to face Southampton in the first place.
- Southampton sue,
- Middlesbrough sue,
- Hull sue,
- and possibly broadcasters/sponsors become involved too.
But that would end up being a two-third/one-third scarf after the errant opponent is removed. Bloody hell, it's a minefield this hooky scarf malarkey!Surely it should be a half & 2 quarters?
tigermaul
Well-Known Member
Yes, but I just don't think we know exactly what Saints have held their hands up for. I don't think we can extrapolate from what has been said that Southampton have admitted to all the alleged spying breaches that Boro have mentioned. At the moment, as Neil Y said, we're (well actually he said you're) all just pissing in the wind.
As per my previous post - no contest = admitting guilt
Not sure that it 'should be' deferred' but I do think that could well be the approach taken. It's the only way out of the dilemma that brings appropriate punishment whilst avoiding the headaches that surround cancelling the final. It's a convenient way out of the dilemma
I think because it's a weekend and it's classed as off peak you can use it as many times as you like for something like £12 for zones 1-4(that's all I'll need including a trip to Victoria Bus Station to get home) but Heathrow is zone 6 so it's maybe a Fiver or so more for all day?
Ok well just have it as a Hull City scarf & have done with it!
Problem solved!
What you have described is the Hammersmith & City line station, which doesn't provide direct access to Wembley. The best rail station (not underground) is Wembley Stadium,, which is served by trains from London Marylebone. The Underground trains come from Baker Street and central London.
The Mildmay line runs from Richmond to Stratford and doesn't go close to Wembley - nearest station is Willesden Junction but that's a couple of miles from the stadium.
Think this is just media talk at this point. It would be multiple charges if there was evidence of multiple instances. Other clubs would also surely have reported it at that time instead of waiting til now.
No we shouldn’t .
A - We’re too nice .
B - Punishment doesn’t fit the crime .
NO I don’t think it should be worse .
I mentioned this the other day , seems the same thing to me but I wonder if there is a slight difference in the legal world .