Valdo Calocane killed University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, as well as 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates, and attempted to kill three more people in the June 2023 attacks. Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust said on Thursday that "11 members of staff have been dismissed and a further 14 have had actions taken against them". It added that further investigations are ongoing. Barnaby's mother, Emma Webber, reacted to the news saying: "To learn that 11 staff have been dismissed and 14 faced disciplinary actions is shocking. "What is more shocking is the scale of misconduct - 150 members of staff accessed the records." She added: "It's heartbreaking that on top of our tragic loss, we've also had to face such appalling additional failures by members of staff who should know better. "I'd ask them all to consider how they would feel if it was their child or father." The decision to sack the staff comes as a public statutory inquiry into the killings continues. The trust said that it had been investigating the breach since starting investigations in early 2025. Actions taken so far include two first written warnings, 12 final written warnings and 11 staff dismissed, it said. "Staff included in these investigations include doctors, nurses, registered medical professionals and admin and clerical colleagues," the statement added. The trust said it would now consult with regulators such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Medical Council (GMC), both of which have powers to strike staff off medical registers. The trust has also informed the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Nottinghamshire Police. Read more:Southampton lose appeal against 'spygate' punishmentAre Reform a bigger threat to Labour or the Conservatives? 'I am truly sorry' Dr Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at NUH, said: "The families of Ian, Grace and Barnaby have had to endure much pain and heartache, and I am truly sorry that the actions of some of our staff have added to that. "To access the medical records of our patients without a legitimate reason is totally unacceptable and we are doing all we can to identify where and how that has happened. "I hope that the families, staff and our communities feel reassured by the outcomes so far, that we are taking this seriously and will continue to do so. "We know that the vast majority of our staff understand that appropriate access is a fundamental principle of our duty of care and know that it is essential that access to patient records is lawful, justified and directly related to their role. "By accessing records inappropriately, staff are damaging the valuable contributions made by those colleagues providing care for those patients. "In those cases where it does happen, I hope that this is a very clear reminder that we will take appropriate action." Further investigations are ongoing into inappropriate access, including into the files of surviving victims, including Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski, the trust said. Nurses referred to regulator As the inquiry continued on Thursday, it heard three nurses have been referred to the NMC in relation to Calocane's case. Diane Hull, chief nurse with the NUH trust, who took up her post a month after the attack, was quizzed about disciplinary processes. Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, asked her: "In relation to VC's case, we understand one doctor has self-referred. One doctor, we were told yesterday by the medical director, the GMC indicated did not meet the referral criteria. "Have any of those been referred by the trust, as far as you're aware, to the GMC?" Ms Hull responded: "I don't know about doctors. I can tell you about nurses. "Three people have been referred to the NMC. We regularly consult with the NMC. "We've also committed… to do a further review of professional standards and practice following the inquiry as well."

MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee wrote to the organisations after two women alleged they had been raped and another made claims of sexual misconduct to BBC's Panorama programme. All three said the Channel 4 show, made by production company CPL, did not do enough to protect them. Channel 4 boss Priya Dogra said on Wednesday she was "deeply sorry" for the distress caused to Married At First Sight UK participants who alleged they were raped and sexually assaulted by their partners. Ms Dogra said a review into contributor welfare was now under way and there were "limitations" on what she could say until this was complete in late summer. Ms Dogra added: "That said, I have watched the programme and heard the women's accounts which are very troubling. "Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry. "Welfare across all our programmes is hugely important to us, and is a primary concern. The apology comes as a psychologist who previously worked on the programme has said more "transparency" is needed to protect contestants after women made allegations of rape and sexual assault. Psychologist Jo Hemmings said that despite protocols and welfare practices being "very tight", she felt there were gaps between what psychologists would recommend and what was broadcast. Speaking to the PA, Ms Hemmings said contestants should be allowed to see some footage or request that certain footage was not shown because welfare "should be at the heart of everything that the production team does". Channel 4 and CPL have been approached for comment. 'Urgent questions to answer' Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee, has questioned whether "enough is being done" to "protect people taking part in reality television". She said: "The horrifying allegations about Married At First Sight raise serious concerns over whether enough is being done to protect people taking part in reality television. "Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer." The letter to Channel 4 also asks about its complaints process for contestants on the programme and the steps taken to ensure the allegations were fully investigated, along with the review announced by the broadcaster. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police urged potential victims of sexual assault on the reality TV show to get in touch. The broadcaster said it had removed all previous seasons of MAFS UK from its streaming platforms. The move follows an external review, commissioned by the broadcaster in April, into the welfare of participants on the programme. The government has said all the allegations must be investigated and that "there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing". Read more from Sky News:Air conditioning will become 'unavoidable' in parts of EnglandUnemployment rate ticks up to 5% Shona Manderson - the third of the three women making allegations about their time on the Channel 4 show, and the only one who is named - said she "completely lost her light" while appearing in the series. The show sees single people matched by experts and then "marry", with couples meeting for the first time on their wedding day. The "marriages" on the show are not legally binding but the couples go on a "honeymoon" and move in together after their weddings. Ms Manderson's on-screen partner Bradley Skelly told the BBC's Panorama he categorically denies "any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling". In a statement on Wednesday, Channel 4 chief content officer Ian Katz said the broadcaster "ensured that women involved were kept safe when any issues were raised to us" and were given "appropriate support". All three men deny the allegations.

The Starmer government has potentially made another blunder after it emerged that sanctions are being relaxed on Russian oil processed through third countries. As a political row unfolded, Sam and Anne discuss the fallout. Plus, Westminster is buzzing with rumours of a possible Labour coronation before the summer. If events move quickly, what might an Andy Burnham cabinet look like? Sam and Anne discuss the possible contenders for chancellor and whether Labour could end up with a new foreign secretary. And as speculation grows over what Mr Burnham's agenda as prime minister might be, two of Labour's most difficult dividing lines are back in focus: single-sex spaces and assisted dying.

Arteta has guided Arsenal to their first top-flight title in 22 years, with the Gunners clinching it on Tuesday night after second-placed Manchester City could only draw with Bournemouth. In April, Arsenal showed some cracks after defeats to Bournemouth and City let Pep Guardiola's side back into the title race. But the Gunners recovered afterwards to deliver the title - and could add to it by winning the Champions League final in Budapest next week. 10 moments that won the title5am trip to the Emirates! How the players celebratedYour views on Arsenal's title win "Yes, we won the league," Arteta said in a press conference on Thursday. "But the most proud I've been is how we've won it. "We showed very important values not only in sport, but in life. Perseverance, to be resilient, to be composed in moments when people are doubting. And to be vulnerable. "I've asked that question to myself: am I good enough to lead these players to win a major trophy? Until you do it, you cannot validate yourself. "The big lesson here is stay humble, stay curious and focus on the point and you want to achieve. If you give your best, you give yourself a good chance. We've given ourselves a good chance for three years. This season, we've done it. "Now you want more. We have the biggest one to play in Budapest in a few days. It's been extremely rewarding. We know we've gone step by step. When we haven't reached it, because sometimes someone else is better, they have better resources and be humble there. "But you have to say: I'm not going to stop, improve and reinvent myself. That's going to be a theme in this season. If we haven't done enough, there are things to do to make that step. We've been very creative in our process to achieve that." What were the key moments in Arsenal's season? Arteta was asked for his most difficult and standout moments of the season in his press conference. "There have been so many moments," he replied. "I need a bit more time to reflect on that. We have so much footage that probably will explain a bit the story of the season. "The start [of the season] was tough. When you build the club, the team into a zone where the only thing left is to win it and the margin is so small, especially with our competitors - can the team handle the pressure from the beginning? "Because we remember the conversations we had in September and October in the press conferences. 'If you don't win, the league is over' and there are still eight or nine months to play. "To play with that on your back constantly is not easy. That has been one of the toughest moments." However, the most important part of the season - according to the Arsenal manager - came in the same period. Before Arsenal played their first Premier League game of the season against Manchester United in August, Arteta gathered his players for a meeting - without any other members of staff. They gathered around a tree - put up by Arteta - in the training ground to symbolise the growth of the club. "One of the main ones was a meeting we had here, at the training ground] next to the tree, when I got all the players together," said the Spaniard. "And told them: 'Look at each other and the squad we've built over the summer. We are capable of everything and can be very, very good but that depends on us and behaviours - everybody understanding the roles they were going to have daily, to give the best for the team.' "Once they realised that, we went to a different level. You've seen the impact that everyone has, during different moments in games through the season. And the capacity we have shown to deal with very, very tough circumstances throughout the season. "Normally we have a lot of meetings and staff there, but it was the players and myself. And we talked about the role. What is my role and how I feel about them, and every decision I'm going to make is going to impact their lives in a positive way. Any decision I make is because it's my job to make it, so don't take it personally." Arteta: I didn't watch Bournemouth vs Man City! Arteta admitted he did not watch Man City's draw with Bournemouth, which sealed Arsenal's title - as he was barbecuing at the time! The Arsenal manager was not with the players, who all grouped together with staff at the training ground to watch the match. Arteta did join the players out in central London in the early hours of Wednesday morning - but the Arsenal manager has no regrets about going home and leaving the players for the crucial moment in their season. "It's one of the best feelings I ever had," said Arteta about City's draw with Bournemouth. "I was supposed to be here at Colney with the players, and certain staff, because that's what they wanted. But I couldn't. Twenty minutes before the game, I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted. "It was their moment to be together, watch it themselves and just see what the outcome would be. "I went home, went outside to the garden, started to build some fire and started to do some barbecue. I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing noises in the background and the living room, then the magic happened. "My oldest son opened the garden door, ran towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug and said 'We're champions Daddy.' My other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful to see the joy on them, they are always with me. "It was magical. A minute later, Martin Odegaard was with the video: 'Where are you? Come over.' "I said: 'Enjoy it. See you in a few hours, somewhere in London.'" At the same time, tens of thousands of supporters gathered instinctively at the Emirates Stadium in emphatic scenes in London. Arteta believes the chemistry the fans have created about the team is better than winning the Premier League trophy - and even used a 'bottle' metaphor to describe it. "It was an emotional explosion," Arteta said. "Everybody has been keeping emotions, but not being able to really express them. "So when we opened that bottle, everyone had so much to release, it's been incredible to witness. "So far what they have created around the club and team, it's incredible to witness. That chemistry, connection, passion is something beautiful. "The trophy is great, but this is something, in my mind, even bigger."

Health alerts have been issued as the country braces for a heatwave from Friday through to next week. Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said the UK could see the hottest day of the year so far - smashing the 26.6C (79F) at London's Kew Gardens on 8 April. Meanwhile, the 32.8C (91F) record for May set in the capital's Camden Square in 1922 could be surpassed. Over the weekend, temperatures in the UK are expected to exceed those forecast in Mediterranean hotspots including Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. On Friday, the mercury is forecast to hit 29C (84F) - with a 20% chance of 30C (86F) - across the East Midlands, East Anglia, London and north Kent. On Saturday, temperatures of 30C (86F) - with a 20% chance of 32C (89F) - are expected in Greater London. While on Sunday they could hit 31-32C (87-89F) - with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) - across south and southeast England and the South Midlands. Monday looks set to be even hotter, with 32-33C (89-91F) - with a 50% chance of 34C (93F) - forecast for south England and the Midlands. And on Tuesday, 31-32C (87-89F) - with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) - is expected in south England. See the five-day forecast for your area The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern and southeast England. Officials are warning of "minor impacts" across health and social care services, including a greater risk to life for vulnerable people. The Alzheimer's Society said people with dementia are likely to be more vulnerable in warmer conditions. The charity outlined ways to support loved ones or neighbours with dementia by leaving drinking water within easy reach and ensuring they opt for light-coloured, airy clothes, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, take cool showers and keep blinds closed. The British Heart Foundation said heart patients also face potential dangers in the heat and should take extra precautions to minimise health risks. There may also be an increased danger of water-related incidents such as drowning and cold-water shock. The RNLI said choosing a lifeguarded beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags, and dialling 999 or 112 and asking for the coastguard in an emergency can make all the difference in staying safe on the coast. Samantha Hughes, RNLI water safety partner, said: "If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember float to live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing and wait for help to arrive or before moving to safety." Campaign group River Action additionally warned of the health risks posed by poor water quality, even in designated bathing spots. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children's Burn Trust are also urging people to take care if they are planning a barbecue. Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, said: "Barbecues cause serious burns every year, often because people underestimate how hot they stay long after cooking has finished. "Children should be kept well away from barbecues at all times, and disposable barbecues must never be moved or put in bins until they are completely cold. "Simple steps like safe placement, supervision and proper disposal can prevent life-changing injuries." A heatwave in the UK is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region's threshold. Steve Kocher, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. "Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands. "It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. "As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK. "There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend. "With relatively low sea surface temperatures, there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts."

The mixed martial arts event, billed as UFC Freedom 250, is also to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence on 4 July. Here's everything you need to know about the first-ever set of fights at the White House. Who's on the card? Two title bouts top the White House fight card: • Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje - UFC Lightweight Title (unification) • Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane - Interim UFC Heavyweight Title Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria is undefeated going into his latest showdown, with seven KO wins and eight submissions on his impressive resume. The 29-year-old is the only UFC fighter to have won titles in two divisions without suffering a loss, having vacated a featherweight championship to go up to lightweight in 2025, where he beat Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt. In his way of another historic victory is interim champion Justin Gaethje. The veteran US fighter, 37, has an impressive record of 27 wins - 20 by KO - and five losses. He's a two-time Interim UFC Lightweight Champion, having won the title in May 2020 and January 2026. The other main event sees Brazilian powerhouse Alex Pereira attempting to be the first fighter in UFC history to win a title in three weight classes. He will face Ciryl Gane, a former interim champion and three-time heavyweight title challenger with interim gold on the line. Those fights will be preceded by five non-title battles: • Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi - Bantamweight • Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler - Lightweight • Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus - Middleweight • Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia - Featherweight Are tickets available? The famous UFC octagon cage will be erected on the South Lawn of the White House, and there will be around 4,000 people there to see it, according to UFC president Dana White. In a press conference earlier in May, he said Mr Trump would receive 1,000 tickets to hand out; Mr White and TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel would have 200 each and the remaining tickets would be distributed across branches of the military. But the UFC has committed to issuing 85,000 free tickets to watch the event on eight large screens in Ellipse Park, which is across the street from the White House. Those hoping to watch on the big screens can request tickets on the event's official page until Saturday 23 May at 4.59am UK time. Why the White House? Donald Trump first outlined his plans for a White House UFC event on Independence Day last year, telling a celebrating crowd in Iowa: "So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honour of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight. ″Think of this on the grounds of the White House," he said, adding that it would be a "full fight" with 20,000 to 25,000 people watching live. Mr Trump has long been a fan of the sport, and was the first sitting president to attend a UFC show, watching a 2019 fight that was stopped because of a cut over the loser's eye that left blood pouring down the fighter's face. Read more:Pending tax claims against Trump to be droppedEverything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 After his election victory, he attended a fight with House Speaker Mike Johnson and a large political entourage in New York, and he also went to further UFC bouts in Newark and Miami last year. On why he enjoys the sport, he told podcaster Logan Paul as he campaigned for his second term: "I have respect for fighters, you know, when you can take 200 shots to the face and then look forward to the second round." Mr Trump is also a close friend of Dana White's. When is it - and how can I watch it? The preliminary fights will take place from 9pm Sunday 14 June BST, with the main card scheduled to start at 1am BST on Monday morning. The main events will be available to watch on TNT Sports with a subscription, while the earlier fights can be seen with a UFC Fight Pass.

Meanwhile the Greens took fewer seats than Reform did from Labour, but may have been responsible for taking more of their votes. The fragmentation of British politics away from the dominant two-party system continued as thousands of council seats changed hands across England. Voter engagement increased, with indications that more people turned out to vote than the last time these seats were elected. Where Reform's gains came from One of the biggest questions now in British politics is where Reform UK are gaining their support, and at whose expense. By sheer volume, Reform took more seats from Labour. They gained 798 seats from Labour compared with 471 seats from the Conservatives. Many of these elections took place in areas that have traditionally supported Labour, and they were defending half of all the seats up for election. Another quarter were being defended by the Tories. Together, Labour and the Conservatives lost three in five of their seats, while Reform UK, as well as the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, made sweeping gains. Labour had the most at stake, and suffered the heaviest losses. They ended the election with 1,498 fewer seats than they started with, losing 60% of their seats. The Conservatives made net losses of 563 seats, a loss rate of 49% of their seats. Reform hit the Tories harder While Reform took most seats from Labour, the Conservatives came out worse when we look at the percentage of seats lost. More than two-thirds of the seats that they lost went to Reform, mostly in shire counties such as Norfolk, where the Conservatives defended 60 seats and lost 36 of them to Reform. A further one in five of the seats they lost went to the Lib Dems, with these losses particularly heavy in the South East. Meanwhile just over half of Labour’s losses were to Nigel Farage’s party, with the biggest losses in the North East, followed by 29% to the Greens, who gained most in London and the East. The big winners were Reform who made net gains of 1,453 seats, followed by the Greens who made 440 net gains. The Lib Dems made gains for an eighth consecutive year, finishing with 152 additional seats. The Lib Dems won more than 10% of the seats the Conservatives were defending. The Greens won most of their seats from Labour, at nearly a fifth of those that Labour were defending. Labour lost seats to Reform - but votes to the Greens? Although Labour lost more seats directly to Reform UK than to the Greens, it does not necessarily mean former Labour voters switched primarily to Reform. In a closed ballot system, it is impossible to know exactly how individual voters changed their support. There are interesting patterns in vote share changes, however, that provide some clues. Labour had the biggest decline in vote share of any party regardless of who ended up winning the seat, including a 21 point drop in the seats they held. This indicates a broad collapse in support across the country and means the seats that Labour held on to were won with small majorities and low vote shares. It’s similar to what happened to the Conservatives at the last general election, and it looks as though the problems that plagued the Tories when they were in government have now come for Labour. Meanwhile the Greens’ vote share increased most in areas where either they or Labour won the seat. This suggests they performed best with former Labour voters and that while Labour lost seats to Reform, they also lost votes to the Greens. The Tories’ biggest drop was in wards where Reform won, in those areas they were down more than 15 percentage points on average. Vote changes by region Reform made the biggest gains in vote share, rising by an average of 22 percentage points from a starting point of zero in most wards. Their gains were strongest in traditionally Conservative and Brexit voting areas - particularly in the North East, where Reform’s vote share rose by more than 35 points on average. The Greens increased their vote share by 9 points overall, with some of their biggest vote share increases concentrated in urban areas. Their vote share increased most in London, by 11 points. But perhaps more surprisingly their biggest increase was in the East Midlands. After their recent victory in the Gorton & Denton by-election, they may have been hoping for bigger gains in the North West - their vote share rose by just 7.6 points on average there. All other party vote shares were down on average. Labour’s vote share dropped by 19.4 points, and the Conservatives were down by 9.2 points. These drops were proportional, meaning Labour’s vote share fell the most in wards where it was previously highest. Again, a trend we saw in the Conservative vote share before they were kicked out of government. More competition means closer races Having a greater number of competitive parties in a first-past-the-post voting system means the winner can claim victory on a smaller percentage of the vote. Overall, the average winning vote share was just over 40% which is little change from last year but a significant drop from historic trends. In 2022, the average winning vote share was 53%. Some places saw councillors elected with remarkably low vote shares. For instance, Labour held the Hatfield East ward in Welwyn Hatfield, Hertfordshire, with just 24.8% of the vote. Motivated voters boosted turnout Complete turnout figures for all councils will take a few months to collect, but we do have a snapshot from 1,247 wards so far that gives a sense of how many people voted in this set of elections. Now that the political parties have more distinct offers, it appears that people are more motivated to vote. In recent years, fewer than a third of eligible voters have participated at local elections. Analysis of available data so far indicates that voter turnout was up by more than eight percentage points on average. While Labour and Reform came out on top in wards with the lowest turnout, turnout increased the most in wards where Reform won. This could either be because people felt like they had something to vote for in a Reform candidate, or because the party motivated their opposition just as much (if not more) than their supporters. On the other hand, turnout increased less in seats that stuck to the status quo and re-elected Labour candidates. This may have contributed to Labour holding some of these seats. The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

As a result, Hull City will take on Middlesbrough in Saturday's play-off final, with the Wembley showpiece kicking off at 3.30pm. On Tuesday evening, Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs, with Middlesbrough reinstated, after a member of the Saints' backroom staff was caught watching Boro's training ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final. How Spygate incident unfolded | EFL & 'Spygate' latestSouthampton expelled from Championship play-offs According to the EFL, Southampton admitted "multiple breaches" relating to the unauthorised filming of their opponents' training ahead of games against Oxford and Ipswich, as well as the clash with Middlesbrough. In addition to their expulsion from Saturday's final, Southampton were handed a four-point deduction for next season. Reacting to their expulsion, Southampton called the ruling "manifestly disproportionate" to the offence. The Saints appealed the ruling, but it was dismissed on Wednesday night with no further opportunity of appeal. An EFL statement read: "A League Arbitration Panel has today dismissed Southampton Football Club's appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision in respect of breaches of EFL Regulations. "As a result, the original sanction remains in force. Southampton's expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs stands, alongside the four-point deduction to be applied to the Club's 2026/27 Championship record and the reprimand in respect of all charges. "In accordance with EFL Regulations, the decision of the League Arbitration Panel is final. Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3.30pm." Southampton vow to respond with 'humility' after 'disappointing' appeal outcome Shortly after the announcement, Southampton released a statement saying it was an 'extremely disappointing outcome', while also acknowledging it was a painful moment for the club and they would be determined to 'put things right'. It read: "Southampton Football Club has this evening been informed that the EFL's League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not participate in Saturday's Championship Play-Off Final. "This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this. "While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours. "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley. "Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly. "While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right." Scienza: Fans deserved better after 'heartbreaking' few days Southampton forward Leo Scienza says fans deserve better, expressing his disappointment in the appeal verdict in a statement posted on Instagram. "It's difficult to find the right words for what we're all feeling right now."What has happened over the last few days is heartbreaking.. for the club, for every player in this dressing room, and above all for our supporters. A moment like this should never end the way it did."I feel sorry for every football fan, as well as the players and supporters of Hull and Boro, who were caught up in all of this chaos, too."We gave everything for this dream. Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring 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 cuts so deep."The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserved this moment. You stood behind us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the toughest moments, you carried us forward."Thank you for staying with us through everything. You definitely deserved better." Why can't Southampton appeal further? According to EFL rules that all clubs agree to, Southampton can no longer take the issue further and appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)... RULE 104: CHALLENGING THE AWARD 104.1 Subject to the provisions of Sections 67 and 68 of the Arbitration Act, the award, shall be final and binding and there shall be no right of appeal or further arbitration and the parties exclude irrevocably any right to any other form of appeal, review or recourse in or by a court, judicial authority or other arbitral body, in so far as such waiver may validly be made. 'We now have clarity on final... but there could be further consequences down the road' Sky Sports News' chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol: "Southampton's lawyers did their best to argue their case in front of this new league arbitration panel, which was effectively an appeal panel. They would have said that the punishment is far too severe. "They would have cited incidents in the past where a team has been deducted six points for spying, or Leeds United were fined £200,000, but now we know that the appeal panel decided to stick with the initial decision that the disciplinary commission came up with yesterday, which is that the punishment is proportionate. "Now I know a lot of people in football, ex-players, managers, supporters are looking at this and saying, 'Wow, this is a big, big punishment for something that can be viewed as being not that big in the grand scheme of things.' "However, two panels now, the disciplinary commission and the appeal panel, have disagreed with what people have been saying and said, 'No, this is very, very serious. Southampton have to be expelled from the play-offs'. "We will get more clarity when the full written reasons are released, not just of the commission yesterday, but also of the appeal. "Everybody will be able to go through it. It will be available on the EFL website as well. You can read through it, see all the evidence, and make up your mind. "But finally, three days before the play-off final, we now have absolute clarity that it will be Hull City vs Middlesbrough, and not Southampton, at Wembley on Saturday. And Southampton, unfortunately, because of this spying scandal, which they have admitted to potentially going to cost them a place in the Premier League, and £200m, and there could be further consequences down the road. "The EFL don't have the power to charge or punish individuals, but the Football Association does, and they can use that power once the EFL process has ended." 'The nightmare continues for Southampton fans' Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam: "The nightmare continues for Southampton fans. They won't be at Wembley on Saturday and that their season is now over. You do feel for Southampton. You speak to other players and managers, other people connected to the game, and they say this is very, very strict. This is very unfair. And it doesn't quite feel like the punishment fits the crime. And exactly what Southampton's defence was in that appeal. "Southampton's season is now over and attention immediately turns to next season. Southampton are going to be in the Championship, starting on -4 points. So already the hard work needs to begin. They'll be planning preseason tours. They'll be doing all the things that need to be done to prepare themselves for a brand new campaign. So ultimately, the work will continue in the training ground. "What will happen for the players now, who are probably just desperate to get away, spend some time with their families, relax, recharge, rest, and just try and compute exactly what's happened? Because ultimately, the riches that come with getting promoted to the Premier League have disappeared. "That dream of playing at the top flight has now gone. So they will be hurting, and they will be frustrated, and they will be angry with what's happened. And they will then have to start their process to look forward and move on right now from this moment onwards." Spygate timeline: How did we get here? May 7: Middlesbrough make formal complaint to the EFL alleging a Southampton member of staff spied on their training session three days before their Championship play-off semi-final first leg. May 9: Boro boss Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of cheating after the first leg ends in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium. May 12: Southampton charged with a breach of EFL regulations in relation to the spying accusations. Southampton request additional time to conduct an internal review. The play-off semi-final second leg is played at St Mary's. Shea Charles' extra-time winner earns Southampton a 2-1 victory and a place in the Championship play-off final. Emotional Hellberg hits out at "disgraceful spying", before Saints boss Tonda Eckert storms out of his press conference after being asked: "Are you a cheat?" May 13: Photos allegedly showing the Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough's training ground released publicly. May 14: It is announced the independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19. In a statement, the EFL say "the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture." May 15: Middlesbrough publicly call for Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs. In a statement, they said: "In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final." May 18: Middlesbrough players return to training as the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing nears. May 19: EFL announces Southampton expelled from play-off final after hearing. May 20: Southampton appeal hearing verdict but it's dismissed. May 21: FA launch investigation into Southampton