EFL warns clubs over social media posts

The English Football League (EFL) has warned its members about their usage of posts on social media that might target other sides regarding disciplinary issues.

In September, Wrexham aimed a Spygate -based dig at Southampton in a video that featured their owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in a cheeky social media post.

This came before the Dragons played Saints, eventually winning the Championship game 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham's owners appeared on Wrexham's X account, which started with Reynolds emerging from behind a tree.

In a skit nominally aimed at promoting shirt sponsor Firefox, the Deadpool star said: "Today, for no particular reason, we want to talk about the importance of privacy."

A few weeks later, Southampton fired back at Wrexham after the Welsh club had been fined by the EFL for fielding two ineligible players.

Saints commented "hope you've double checked this one lads" on their X account under Wrexham's team news post for a following game against Sheffield United.

Birmingham City also joined in with the Spygate themed posts, with a graphic of both clubs' badges cut into grass hedges, shown through the eye of binoculars before playing each other in September.

The EFL has since sent a letter to club chairs and executives, advising clubs to avoid posts that could have a reputational impact.