First Southampton player issues statement after play-off expulsion

He addressed the fanbase on Instagram

The Saints were expelled from the fixture against Hull City after admitting to ' 'multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training'.

Middlesbrough, who had lost to Southampton on aggregate in the semifinal, issued a complaint that brought the decision from the EFL, an expulsion from the play-off final and a four point deduction the following season.

An appeal was launched by Southampton and heard last night, but the verdict was upheld.

In a statement in response, Southampton said the decision was an "extremely disappointing outcome" and called it a "painful moment".

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Scienza, a key part of the team, expressed his frustration on Instagram, addressing the fans.

The 27-year-old said: "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 way 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."