Hull City owner makes 'furious' admission as Middlesbrough and Southampton await 'Spygate' outcome

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali is unsure what could lie ahead as an investigation into the ‘Spygate’ scandal that overshadowed Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off semi-final tie with Southampton gets underway.

Just over a week has passed since Boro made allegations a member of the Saints staff spied on a training session as Kim Hellberg and his coaching staff oversaw the final preparations for Saturday’s first leg between the two sides. The situation became a consistent talking point over the days that followed as both Hellberg and Saints counterpart Tonda Eckert both had their say in pre and post-match press conferences.

It was the latter that emerged victorious from the tie as his side claimed a 2-1 aggregate win and seemed to secure their place at Wembley next weekend. However, Ilicali’s Hull have seen their own plans for the play-off final put on hold after the Saints were charged by the EFL over the incident and their fate now lies in the hands of an independent disciplinary commission. A hearing has started on Friday and there is an expectation an outcome will be found by Tuesday of next week, with the EFL confirming ‘changes to the fixture’ are a possibility at this point in time.

In a statement released on Thursday, they said: “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.”

Furious

Tigers owner Ilicali gave his take on the situation as he told talkSPORT: “I don’t know what the officials will decide. I don’t want to make any statements because it’s something that is being investigated. We don’t know who is involved or who is responsible. At this time, it’s better for me not to comment.”

When asked how he would have reacted if Hull had found themselves in a similar situation, he replied: “I would be furious. If everything is completely true and there is zero doubt, I would be furious. And I would ask this question: How many times has it happened before. I would be very, very angry, of course, if everything is so solid. As a person, I don’t understand why people do things like that.

“I always run for justice in my life. But you see many things in life that surprises you, and on this I am surprised too. I know the owners of Southampton - they are good people and I am sure this is nothing to do with them. But whoever is involved on the technical side, I do not know. Whoever is involved, I think, put the evil in the football world this week.”

Your next Middlesbrough read: Middlesbrough watch on with interest as spying charges against Southampton may not be heard until Tuesday