Southampton vow to never return after Swansea hotel cancelled

Southampton FC have had the final say in a hotel dispute after their reservation was mysteriously cancelled two days before a critical game against Swansea City.

The south coast team, who are battling relegation, were told their rooms in the Marriott hotel, three miles away from Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, were not available because of a “virus outbreak” around 36 hours before the Tuesday evening match.

They had to relocate to a hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan, up to an hour’s drive down the M4.

But after claiming the relocation may have helped spur them on, they have had the last laugh with a cheeky dig in a hotel review.

Sharing a post from WeMarchOn, the team offered their feedback, which read: “Had been due to stay here for a very important business trip, only to have our reservation cancelled 24 hours before arrival due to an apparent virus outbreak.

“Very disappointing as other guests’ bookings seemed to be unaffected.

“The inconvenience meant we had to make alternative arrangements for our group at short notice. Ended up switching to the Vale resort. Not an ideal location for our needs – much longer trip to get to our meeting – but great staff and facilities there and would highly recommend.

“Fortunately, the experience didn’t sour our trip. Business meeting was extremely productive!

“Not planning to return any time soon.”

The penultimate match of the season was crucial for both teams, and a goal from Manolo Gabbiadini helped Southampton climb out of the bottom three and relegated West Brom.

Swansea now have to win against Stoke and hope Huddersfield lose their remaining two games to secure another season in the Premier League.

If Huddersfield get more points, Swansea would need to win and Southampton would have to lose with a swing of nine goals for the Welsh side to remain in the top flight.

The hotel incident was just one event cited by the manager Mark Hughes as “dark arts” at work before the match.

They were also told the players had to wait on the coach for the Swansea team to go in first, and their police escort from the replacement hotel did not materialise.

After the match, Mr Hughes said: “I’m not for one minute suggesting Swansea had anything to do with that.

“Maybe it was over-zealous Swansea fans in positions to affect our hotel booking but those things you can use to your own benefit as a motivating factor.

“We got held up a little bit outside as well because we were first here on the coach and apparently we were meant to wait for Swansea.

“But we weren’t going to do that. We were too focused, we got off the bus and walked the 100 yards into the ground. We weren’t going to be denied and messed about.”

The Marriott hotel released a statement which said: “We were made aware late last week of a small number of associates and guests becoming ill. As per our normal procedures, we notified large group bookings in order for them to find alternative accommodations, should they choose to do so.

“The Environmental Health Organisation were also notified at this time, however the cause of the illness remains unconfirmed. There have been no further reports of illness this week and the hotel therefore remains operational.”

(c) Sky News 2018: Southampton vow to never return after Swansea hotel cancelled