Southampton hit out at 'manifestly disproportionate' punishment

Southampton say they have appealed their removal from the Championship play-offs as it is "manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game".

An EFL independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday evening expelled Southampton from the play-offs and reinstated Middlesbrough, who are now set to face Hull City in the final on Saturday.

The St Mary's club were also deducted four points in the Championship next season.

Saints' appeal will be heard by an independent league arbitration panel later on Wednesday.

A statement added that what the club "cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence".