Southampton secure ‘fresh evidence’ after FA surprise announcement with West Brom
Keith Hackett has been left surprised after FA developments involving West Brom on Thursday.
The former Premier League referee and ex-PGMOL chief admitted that an earlier decision against Southampton was likely reviewed.
The Saints were previously charged and fined for failing to control their fans after their play-off semi-final victory over the Baggies back in May 2024.
FA announcement made on West Brom and Southampton
The FA has now confirmed that the fine has been reduced from £75,000 to £45,000, after an appeal by the now-Premier League club.
Southampton have finally secured a smaller punishment, which is a small win in what has been a dreadful season at St Mary’s.
Relegation is likely already all but confirmed, but they may have been taking on different fights with the FA behind the scenes over West Brom, which has now paid off.
Southampton present new evidence?
Speaking to West Brom News about the FA announcement, the former Premier League referee, Hackett said:
“Rather surprised to read that Southampton have had a sanction reduced from an event that took place in May of last year involving West Brom.
“I can only assume that Southampton have secured fresh evidence and they’ve brought that to the attention of the authorities and the special panel has then reviewed the earlier decision.”
West Brom are pushing to secure another season of play-off football in the Championship.
Tony Mowbray and his side currently sit sixth in the table, with plenty of competition around them to secure a potential path back to the Premier League again.
They will need to perform better against the bigger teams though, as was their achilles heel against the likes of Southampton last season.
Playing them four times in the 2023/24 season, West Brom didn’t win once, losing three times and drawing the other – only scoring twice and conceding seven.
| 11/11/23 | Southampton | 2-1 | West Brom |
| 16/02/24 | West Brom | 0-2 | Southampton |
| 12/05/24 | West Brom | 0-0 | Southampton |
| 17/05/24 | Southampton | 3-1 | West Brom |
That will be motivation for the Albion to get back to those play-offs and right the wrongs of last season, hopefully with more control shown by fans in the process.
Adam Armstrong was one of many signings in the winter transfer window, and he will have a massive say, having scored the Wembley goal that took his parent club back to the Premier League last season.