Southampton defender, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has apologised for his binocular celebration against Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Championship Play-Off Semi-Final.
Harwood-Bellis performed his binocular celebration during Southampton’s post-match celebrations after their 2-1 second-leg comeback against Middlesbrough on 12 May, although the Saints were since expelled from the play-offs due to a spying scandal.
The 24-year-old defender on Thursday evening posted an apology on Instagram about his behaviour which he believed at the time to be ‘a bit of fun’ amidst what turned out to be a week of heartbreak as he reflected on the season.
“It’s been nothing but an honour to walk this team out and represent every fan watching in the stands, so it feels right that I speak to you guys directly about what has unfolded this week. As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it’s come to this.
“We worked so hard as a group to provide the football that you fans deserve. For those of us involved in the relegation, it only fuelled our comeback. We knew what it felt like to play in the Premier League, and we were driven by the belief that we could bring that back to you all.
“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.”
Harwood-Bellis proceeded to praise fans for their support across their 19-match unbeaten league run since mid-January, having shown loyalty amidst a difficult start to the season.
“As fans, you’ve been unbelievable. Our unbeaten run was driven by your passionate support. We didn’t start the season strongly, yet you still stood by us and believed in every single one of us.
“We can be proud that we battled through a tough Championship season together, and I’ll always be grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way. Thank you. Enjoy your summer, Saints. 🤍”
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