Spygate: Middlesbrough call for EFL to remove Southampton from Championship play-off final

Middlesbrough have called for the EFL to remove Southampton from next weekend’s Championship play-off final against Hull City as all three clubs await a verdict from a disciplinary commission over the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

Boro’s preparations for the first leg of their play-off semi-final against the Saints were overshadowed by allegations of spying by the south coast club after a member of their backroom staff was said to have been found using recording equipment to capture Kim Hellberg’s squad in training just days before the game. The two sides battled their way to a goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium last Saturday before the Saints earned a Wembley date by claiming a 2-1 win at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday night as goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles helped them bounce back from falling behind to an early strike from Boro midfielder Riley McGree.

The EFL launched an investigation into the incident and released a statement ahead of last weekend’s first leg confirming Southampton had been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations’ and the matter was handed over to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.  A hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, May 19 - although Middlesbrough’s request to to take part in the proceedings has been refused by the governing body.

In a statement released on Friday, Middlesbrough revealed their disappointment over that decision and called upon the EFL to apply the ‘only appropriate response’ by removing the Saints from their Wembley date with Hull and decribe their conduct as going ‘to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition’.

Club statement

A club statement released on Boro’s official website 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.”

EFL statement

Boro’s statement came just 24 hours after the EFL had released an update of their own providing what they called an ‘interim update’ of the disciplinary proceedings. The governing body confirmed they were not in control of the ‘proposed timetable’ and suggested there could be changes to the Championship play-off final, which is scheduled to take place at Wembley next Saturday afternoon.

The statement read: “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.”

‘Complex situation’

Middlesbrough players are believed to be continuing with training sessions as they ensure they will be prepared to return to action should the commission recommend Southampton’s removal from the play-off final. The EFL statement went on to warn supporters of all clubs involved to ‘pay particular attention to the terms and conditions’ of any tickets purchased and expressed their recognition of the ‘concern and disruption’ caused by the situation.

The statement continued: “Hull City and Southampton will share further information on their respective sales processes later today. Sales will be subject to usual terms and conditions, and in the circumstances, fans are encouraged to pay particular attention to the terms and conditions. Likewise, supporters should consider the situation when booking any associated travel and accommodation.

“This decision follows ongoing coordination with the Clubs to ensure that on-sale arrangements can be implemented as soon as practicable. The League recognises that this complex situation has caused concern and disruption for supporters, particularly those making travel arrangements, and will continue to provide as much clarity as possible. However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the League considers this to be the most appropriate course of action.”

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