Oxford united FC
Southampton booted from Championship play-offs for ‘Spygate’
Saints were initially accused of breaching EFL rules in the build-up to their play-off semi-final fixtures against Middlesbrough after a member of the Southampton staff was caught filming at Boro’s training facilities.
Following an independent commission looking into the allegations of spying, Saints admitted breaches relating to three Championship clubs: Oxford United last December, Ipswich Town in April, and Boro this May.
The club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.
Tonda Eckert’s side had beaten the Teesiders 1-0 on aggregate over two legs to reach the second tier play-off final.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
EFL rules prohibit clubs from filming opposition training sessions within 72 hours of a match.
A statement said: “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after the club admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training sessions.
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“In addition, Saints have received a four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all charges.
“”The effect of today’s ruling is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 play-offs and will now face Hull City in the play-off final.
An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.
In addition, the Club has received a… pic.twitter.com/VxyXFk48BA
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) May 19, 2026
“The final remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, with the kick-off time yet to be confirmed.
“Southampton were first charged on Friday, May 8, with further charges issued on Sunday, May 17, relating to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season.
“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were launched.
Oxford United’s Will Lankshear wrestles Southampton’s Cameron Archer for the ball (Image: Oxford United)
“Saints admitted breaches of regulations requiring clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
“The admitted breaches concerned fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”
The match against Oxford in which Saints have admitted spying ended in a surprise 2-1 win for the U’s on Boxing Day.
Stan Mills thumbs up to the crowd after Oxford beat Southampton (Image: Mike Allen)
United had sacked former head coach Gary Rowett three days prior and were under the caretaker leadership of coach Craig Short.
Tyler Goodrham scored after 22 minutes to open the scoring that day before Taylor Harwood-Bellis equalised for the visitors six minutes later.
Stan Mills bagged the late winner on the 88-minute mark to win the match.
It is yet to be seen as to how the finding regarding Saints could affect the Yellows.
The Oxford Mail approached the club and were told they would not be commenting on anything at this point in time.
Oxford united FC
Oxford United fans warned of delays near Kassam Stadium
Oxford United supporters travelling to the stadium for the match against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, October 20, are being told to allow extra time for their journeys due to ongoing works.
There are no changes to the usual travel arrangements, and no road closures are in place.
However, diversions will remain in place after the match on the roundabouts at Grenoble Road to help manage traffic flow.
Roadworks and temporary traffic lights on Watlington Road at the roundabout with Grenoble Road are causing significant delays.
Fans are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and allow extra time for their journey.
Away supporters are also advised to consider alternative routes to the stadium.
The club said: “Please plan your journey in advance and allow extra time when travelling to and from the stadium.”
Oxford united FC
Ramsey on Oxford United star availability and avoiding distractions
The U’s drew 1-1 with Mansfield Town last Thursday in a chaotic game which saw two Oxford players sent off.
Luka Lynch’s wonder goal from the edge of the box put the Yellows ahead before Peter Kioso was dismissed for an alleged dive in the second half resulting in a second yellow card.
Mansfield then equalised before Gatlin O’Donkor was sent off for a second yellow.
Oxford face strugglers Wigan Athletic, who sit bottom of the table, on Tuesday night as they look to extend their League One unbeaten run to six matches.
In his preview of the midweek fixture, Ramsey confirmed that Aidomo Emakhu is ready to play after his two-month long absence: “He’s available.
“Obviously we’ve got a decision to make now.
“But for me, I know we’ve got a real competitive squad. No problems with whoever comes in at all.”
Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey gestures on the touchline (Image: Richard Parkes)
Emakhu’s return coincides with the suspension of fellow forward O’Donkor and comes at a good time for Oxford.
The chaos that ensued last week at the One Call Stadium was frustrating, with the U’s head coach disagreeing with the first red card decision.
Amongst all the controversy, Ramsey remained calm on the touchline, with his side going on to see out a draw with a resolute, nine-man defensive performance in the final stages.
When asked about his demeanour during games, the 35-year-old said: “My stance doesn’t change.
“I was obviously very frustrated. That decision ultimately cost us the game really.
“The decision has been made. What are you going to do? Just rile yourself up for no particular reason?
“I want my team to still be in control of the situation, even though there’s a lot of chaos going on around. Because there’s still a job to be done at the end of the day.
“There are a lot of distractions on the pitch and frustrations and things like that. For me, you have to remain calm in those situations.
Peter Kioso reacts to being sent off against Mansfield (Image: Richard Parkes)
“Otherwise, things just spiral out of control.
“Of course, we’re all frustrated, for sure. But you have to still do a job in those moments and try and have that blue head in those really heated periods in games.
“For me, there will be a moment as well where something has to be done and there will be some different reactions. But in general, I want us to be in control of what we do.
“Some moments in the game that are required where you need your full concentration.
“What good is that if you’re still complaining about things?”
Oxford united FC
Aston Villa loanee Luka Lynch stakes Oxford United claim
The winger opened the scoring in Oxford’s 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town on Thursday with a beautiful curling effort which found the top corner in his first League One start.
The U’s went on to see two men sent off after Lynch was substituted in the 59th minute, Peter Kioso receiving a controversial second yellow before Michael Smith’s equaliser for the Stags.
Gatling O’Donkor then saw yellow for a second time, receiving a red card for a late sliding challenge whilst already on a booking.
Aaron Ramsey’s side then fought valiantly to fend off a late flurry of Mansfield attacks to gain an important point at the One Call Stadium.
Oxford United celebrate Luka Lynch’s opener against Mansfield (Image: Richard Parkes)
After scoring his first ever goal in professional senior football, Lynch said: “It’s a great first goal for the club.
“That’s what I’m here for, to produce those type of moments. I’m glad I was able to execute it.
“I’m buzzing for myself. Like you said, it would have been great if it was the winning goal, but I’m glad the team was able to dig through and come away from the game with it as well.
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“I want to make the biggest impact I can possible within the team. Help them do well in the league, push for promotion, those type of things.
“I’ve just got to play my part and keep delivering like I have been.”
Luka Lynch lines up a shot for Oxford United (Image: Richard Parkes)
Lynch has bagged three assists and a goal in his first five Yellows appearances, making an impact almost every time he has stepped onto the pitch.
Not only was the state of the game on Thursday a new experience for head coach Ramsey, it was a new and chaotic spectacle for the young winger to witness from the dugout after his withdrawal.
Immediate thoughts after a frankly bizarre game as #OxfordUnited find a valuable point in a 1-1 draw with Mansfield 💭 More on the refereeing decisions and performance here 👇 #oufc https://t.co/a8zBKwAWA5
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) October 15, 2026
“The game got a bit wild towards the end. I couldn’t really see too much because everyone was stood up. It was getting a bit crazy on the sidelines.
“It was a crazy game…a good game though. I think both teams turned up and played well.
Luka Lynch is brought down on the edge of the box (Image: Richard Parkes)
“It was a proper fight. I’m just happy to come away with a result.”
Oxford have tough competition in wide areas with the emergence of Mo Missanga, the impacts of Lynch and Siriki Dembele coupled with the near returns of Aidomo Emakhu and Jeon Jin-woo from injury.
Oxford United winger Luka Lynch is on loan from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
When asked if he was sending Ramsey a message with his performances, 19-year-old Lynch replied: “I guess you could say that.
“When I play, I’m just in the zone. I don’t really think too much.
“I trust my ability. I know what I’m here to do.”
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