Matt Le Tissier has given his verdict on the Southampton pitch invasion after the Saints’ Championship play-off semi final victory vs West Brom.
Southampton secured their spot in the Championship play-off final at Wembley after beating West Brom 3-1 in the second leg of the play-off semi final on Friday night.
The Saints drew the first leg 0-0 at The Hawthorns and left it until the second half of the second leg vs West Brom before they got on the scoresheet.
Midfielder Will Smallbone opened the scoring with a neat finish from the edge of the box. Adam Armstrong then scored twice to seal the win, with Cedric Kipre scoring a consolation goal for the Baggies late on.
Russell Martin’s side will now face Leeds United in the Championship play-off final on Sunday May 26th at Wembley.
But Southampton’s semi final win vs West Brom has sparked debate among Saints fans and also neutrals following a pitch invasion after full-time.
Southampton fans were also filmed celebrating in front of the away end which has sparked further debate on social media.
Matt Le Tissier reacts to ‘needless’ Southampton pitch invasion
Multiple videos on social media have shown Southampton fans invading the pitch after their semi final victory, with the footage garnering a huge response online.
Neutrals like @nathanconnortv commented: “Can anyone tell me why Southampton done a pitch invasion in a play-off semi final? They only got relegated last season.”
And even some Southampton fans rued the pitch invasion, with @JamesSharland10 saying: “Ruined the biggest moment of the season to celebrate with the players and staff.”
Martin also commented on the matter after a minority of Southampton fans caused disorder by the away end where West Brom fans watched on.
Martin told The Independent: “I haven’t seen it but I think it’s unnecessary and I’m pretty sure it will be a real, real minority.
“Our fans were amazing tonight. For those who did do that, if it tarnishes the night we’ve had and the win we’ve had and getting to Wembley in any way then they’ve let themselves down.”
Le Tissier also gave his verdict on the matter, summarising the pitch invasion as ‘needless’, and then adding ‘no need to goad the away fans’.
Southampton fans will split opinion after West Brom pitch invasion
Despite what was a memorable night of football, the pitch invasion and the action of, like Martin says, a small minority, has taken over many headlines and social feeds.
And if the Saints go on to lose the final then it’ll make the pitch invasion look all the more unnecessary, so it may well add an extra degree of pressure on Martin’s players ahead of their trip to Wembley.
What’s more is that there might be heightened security for the Wembley final after the scenes at St Mary’s on Friday night, which could add to what would already be a cagey atmosphere.
Nevertheless, most will be focussed on hat should be an enthralling game of football between two good sides, and arguably the two sides who most deserve to be in the play-off final.
Kick off is at 3pm on Sunday May 26th.