Middlesbrough demand Southampton are banned from play-off final | Football | Sport
Southampton and Middlesbrough are embroiled in a Spygate scandal. (Image: Getty)
Middlesbrough have released a bombshell statement calling for Southampton to be expelled from the Championship play-off final over Spygate. The two clubs have been embroiled in a scandal after the EFL charged Saints with breaking rules over observing one of Boro’s training sessions before their semi-final first leg.
Southampton went on to win the tie and book a place in the final against Hull. But that showpiece match may not go ahead as the EFL investigate the controversy, with an independent hearing to take place before Tuesday, May 19. Boro learned that they will not be involved in the hearing, however, a decision they disagree with.
The club’s request to be involved in the disciplinary hearing has been rejected, after Boro hoped to present their evidence to the EFL’s independent hearing in person. The charge will continue in their absence.
A Boro statement read: “Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the disciplinary commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.
“The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.
“The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.
“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the disciplinary commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.
“The club reserves all its legal rights.”
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Southampton celebrating their winning goal in the play-off semi-final. (Image: Getty)
Yesterday (Thursday), the EFL released a statement confirming that the independent hearing would take place before next Tuesday, and also admitted that the final could yet be moved.
However, they are planning for the match between Hull and either Southampton or Middlesbrough to take place as scheduled on Saturday, May 23, at 4.30pm.
The statement from the EFL said: “The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday’s Championship play-off semi-final second leg. The independent disciplinary commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday 19 May.
“The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly. The commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence. As the proceedings are being conducted by an independent disciplinary commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.
“Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled on Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm.
“Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture. The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required.”
