Southampton were booted out of the Championship play-offs for spying, but Piers Morgan believes they should face a more serious punishment.

The Saints have also been given a four-point deduction for next season, though Tonda Eckert’s team has contested the sanctions.

Following Southampton’s elimination from the play-offs, Hull City will face Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers defeated Millwall in the semi-finals, while Boro advanced to the final when the guilty Saints spied on their training session.

Piers Morgan explains how Southampton should have been penalized for the espionage events.

Southampton saw a resurgence in form in the second part of the Championship season, but their players’ efforts will be in nothing in terms of promotion if the Saints lose their charm.

According to Alan Nixon via X, an appeal verdict will be issued by Wednesday night, at which point we will know whether Eckert’s team will be restored in the play-off final.

Meanwhile, according to an EFL statement, Southampton admitted to unlawful filming of Oxford United and Ipswich Town training sessions, as well as the well-documented espionage incident prior to their play-off semi-final first leg match against Middlesbrough.

Intriguingly, the Saints were beaten 2-1 by Oxford on Boxing Day after filming the Kassam Stadium club’s training session 72 hours before the game, and they were held to a 2-2 tie by Ipswich last month.

Southampton’s choice to appeal their punishment demonstrates that they believe it is overly punitive.

Morgan, appearing live on talkSPORT Breakfast, stated that he believes the South Coast outfit should have been punished: “Honestly, I would relegate them. They are cheaters! Relegate them. Teach them a lesson. “No more spies!”

Meanwhile, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook via X, the Championship play-off final will begin at 15.30 on Saturday if Hull face Middlesbrough and an hour later if the Tigers play Southampton.

Hull and Boro have not played in the Premier League since their relegation in 2017, however the Saints will be looking for a rapid return to the top division if their appeal is successful and they are permitted to compete at Wembley Stadium.

If Southampton does not win the appeal, their punishment will serve as a deterrence to snooping.

The independent commission’s decision to send Southampton out of the play-offs and deduct four points ahead of next season has been criticized as harsh, punishing players and supporters unfairly.

Saints fans will be devastated if their club’s appeal is denied, and they will be unable to watch their team compete for a spot in the Premier League next season at Wembley Stadium.

However, the decision to throw Eckert’s side out of the play-offs, combined with next season’s punishment, will most certainly ensure that Championship clubs do not commit similar offenses in the future.

Southampton may be upset that the independent commission may have exploited them to set a precedent, but if they lose their appeal, it will almost certainly be the last of its kind.