Middlesbrough call for Southampton’s removal from Championship play-off final over ‘Spygate’

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be removed from the Championship play-offs following the alleged ‘Spygate’ incident.

The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a play-off semi-final first leg.

Middlesbrough confirmed on Friday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity.

“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,” a statement from the Teesside club read.

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Sporting sanction

“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.”

Boro urged the EFL to pursue a sporting sanction against Southampton at the hearing “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 statement concluded: “The club reserves all its legal rights.”

It is understood Boro have enlisted the services of top sports lawyer Nick De Marco in this case.

The ‘Spygate’ proceedings could force a delay to the play-off final on May 23.

Uncertainty

The initial hearing will take place on or before next Tuesday, but an appeal may also need to be heard before next Saturday, creating a week of uncertainty for fans, players and staff of Southampton, their final opponents Hull and Middlesbrough.

The EFL said on Thursday it had “a number of contingency plans” in place depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Tickets went on sale to Southampton and Hull City fans on Friday morning.

Southampton have not publicly responded to Middlesbrough’s statement, but sources close to the club privately expressed surprise at the tone of it, which they see as an attempt by Boro to strong-arm the EFL.

READ MORE: Championship play-off final may be delayed by Southampton ‘Spygate’ hearing