Southampton hit out at 'manifestly disproportionate' punishment

Breaking news from the world of sport: Southampton hit out at 'manifestly disproportionate' punishmentImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Southampton have appealed against the decision to remove the club from the Championship play-off finalByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished4 minutes agoSouthampton 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".

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.