Southampton fan Rishi Sunak watched his team get relegated from the Premier League after a loss to Fulham sealed their fate.

The prime minister was in the stands on Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium as he watched the Saints suffer a devastating blow, confirming their place in the Championship next season after 11 years in the top division.

Southampton lost 2-0 at home to the Cottagers, who have had an impressive season by contrast.

Mr Sunak ditched his usual formal attire for a more casual hoodie and jeans, but Fulham fans still spotted him and chanted: “Rishi, Rishi, what’s the score?”

Meanwhile, Fulham themselves showed no sympathy towards the prime minister as the club tweeted: “Sorry, the only Prime Minister we recognise is Hugh Grant.”

Mr Sunak, born and raised in the port city, has previously shown his support for the Saints and once said if he was not a politician, he would have liked to run the club.

When he was 18, he said he received a card signed by the Southampton team, which became “one of his most prized possessions”, according to a biography of the UK leader.

Meanwhile, his dad, Yashvir Sunak, reportedly owned a season ticket for the Saints.

Read more:
Eurovision 2023: Rishi Sunak ‘disappointed’ at decision to ban Volodymyr Zelenskyy from making address
Former home secretary Priti Patel blames ‘centre of party’ for Conservative local election losses

In 2020, Rishi Sunak, who represents the Yorkshire seat of Richmond as an MP, proudly tweeted a screenshot of Southampton briefly at the top of the Premier League table, saying it had “taken 32 years but [was] worth the wait” and was hoping “it lasts”.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Southampton now only have pride to play for in their final two fixtures this season against Brighton and Liverpool.

Related posts:

Britain reverses planned reduction of nuclear warheads as review warns against threats from China Cummings reveals four demands he made of PM in living room deal to join Number 10 What is lobbying, which MPs have second jobs and how much do they earn from them? Raab defends PM after he is pictured not wearing mask on hospital visit Tory MP involved in ‘accident’ and ‘assisting police with their inquiries’ Sue Gray partygate report could be released in full despite police investigation Tory MP Neil Parish suspended over allegations of viewing pornography in Commons Which Tory MPs are calling for Truss to go – and how could the PM be ousted? Government launches new advert with energy saving tips ‘Faulty and ambiguous’ government guidance partially to blame for Grenfell tragedy, Gove admits The PM promised to bring integrity back, but the delay in sacking Zahawi makes him look weak Former Tory whip to stand down at next election after club assault claims