Leo Cienza furious at Southampton send-off (Image: PA)
Southampton winger Leo Cienza has spoken out about the turmoil behind the scenes at the club after he was kicked out of the Championship play-off final for spying. Saints had appealed the EFL’s sanction but learned on Wednesday night that their appeal had been dismissed.
This means they will start the 2026/27 season with -4 points in the Championship, while Middlesbrough, the team they lost 2-1 in the two-legged play-off semi-final, will travel to Wembley Stadium on Saturday to take on Hull City. Saints manager Tonda Eckert is currently facing sacking after it emerged she was aware of three club-sanctioned spy missions against Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The club is bracing for further repercussions, with the FA likely to impose further sanctions, including suspensions, on the players involved.
Southampton players are understood to be considering their legal options after being denied the chance of promotion to the Premier League due to the conduct of staff. And Cienza, who had a strong debut season with the Saints, became the first player to publicly voice his opinion on the matter.
Cienza wrote on Instagram: “Disappointment, anger and sadness. It’s hard to adequately express what we’re all feeling right now. What has happened over the last few days is heartbreaking. For the club, for all the players in this dressing room and most of all for the supporters.”
“Moments like this shouldn’t have to end like this. My sympathies go out to all football fans, but also to the Hull and Boro players and supporters caught up in all of this turmoil.”
“We gave everything for this dream. We made sacrifices day in and day out, always believing that we could get 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 is so deep.”
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Leo Cienza saddened by end of Southampton season (Image: Getty)
“The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserve this moment. You supported us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the most difficult moments, you kept us going. Thank you for being with us through it all, you definitely deserve so much more.”
Southampton said in a statement on Wednesday night: “Southampton Football Club was informed this evening that the EFL’s league arbitration panel has upheld the sanction imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not take part in Saturday’s Championship play-off final.”
“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for everyone associated with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment is for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given us so much support throughout the season, and we once again apologize to everyone affected by this.”
“Whilst we are fully aware of the seriousness of this matter and the subsequent scrutiny, the club has consistently believed that the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, and this view has been widely shared by many in football over the past 24 hours.
“We would like to put on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown during an incredibly difficult time. We will share information as soon as possible regarding ticket refunds for those who have purchased Wembley tickets.”
“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that we now need to rebuild trust. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on what has happened, learn from it and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.”
“Tonight is a difficult moment, but this football club will respond with humility, accountability and a determination to put things right.”
