Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis issued a public apology on Instagram after the English Football League dismissed the club's appeal regarding a spying scandal that disqualified them from the Championship play-off final.
The defender had mocked Middlesbrough player Aidan Morris by making a binocular gesture during the semi-final second leg, prior to Southampton admitting they spied on three rival teams.
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The club will remain in the Championship next season with an additional four-point deduction penalty.
Harwood-Bellis Expresses Regret
"As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it's come to this," stated Harwood-Bellis.
The 24-year-old center-back noted that the squad had been highly motivated to secure promotion for the fans following their previous relegation from the Premier League.
"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," he stated.
He explained that the gesture was merely intended as lighthearted fun, as the playing squad had not been informed about the ongoing espionage situation by the club hierarchy.
"In the moment, it was meant as a bit of fun in a situation that we as players were not informed about," he stated.
The defender also praised the fans for their constant backing during an unbeaten run that sustained their challenging campaign.
"As fans, you've been unbelievable, our unbeaten run was driven by your passionate support," he stated.
