Saints captain issues statement over binoculars celebration after ‘Spygate’ verdict

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSouthampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis has issued a statement following the ‘Spygate’ appeal verdict on Wednesday. He also clarified the situation around his controversial celebration in the Championship play-off second-leg against Middlesbrough, when he mimicked holding a pair of binoculars, saying he would never have done so had he been aware of how serious the situation was.Southampton were kicked out of the Championship play-off final on Tuesday after admitting to spying on rival teams, and their appeal was unsuccessful. A post on Instagram read: “As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it’s come to this (regarding the verdict). “I’d also like to put on record that, had I known the severity of the situation, I would never have done what I did on the pitch. In the moment, it was meant as a bit of fun in a situation that we as players were not informed about.”In fullSouthampton could face further punishment over ‘Spygate’ scandal as FA launches investigationThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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