An independent disciplinary commission could expel Southampton from the Championship play-offs if they are found guilty of filming and observing a Middlesbrough training session. The Saints face charges of violating two EFL regulations concerning acting in good faith and monitoring opposing teams’ training in the days prior to a scheduled fixture against them.
Boro lodged a complaint with the league regarding the alleged unauthorised filming on private property. It is understood that the club’s leadership will push firmly for their rivals’ expulsion. Any hearing would only take place after Tuesday’s semi-final second leg. There would then be 11 days remaining until the final at Wembley Stadium.
The Mail reports that the North East club will continue training even if they exit the post-season, as Boro may still replace their under-investigation opponents. They are seeking a ‘sporting’ sanction against Southampton rather than a financial penalty, similar to the one Marcelo Bielsa paid on behalf of Leeds United seven years ago.
Their coach, Kim Hellberg, spoke out about potential punishments for their opponents: “Who will get the fine? Should they just pay (it) to the EFL?
“So, they see everything we do, and that’s OK? I just think it’s weird (that) they do that and try to cheat in this type of game.
“I know Bielsa paid £200,000, but that was not the law then. I think a lot of clubs will pay that amount to try to get an advantage by seeing you in the two sessions before a game.
“If it’s a game of this magnitude, clubs would pay that, but it’s not legal, so they should not do it. What the punishment should be, that is not my decision to make.
“It’s not the players that have done anything, it’s not the fans that have done anything. So, it’s not my decision to make. I’m just telling you the facts, and you can see the facts too. We will see what happens.”
Southampton, meanwhile, have revealed little regarding the matter. The south coast outfit states it: “Acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
“We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process. Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time.”
Their head coach, Tonda Eckert, has declined to elaborate beyond what the club have stated publicly. He consistently referenced their statement when facing enquiries before and after the first leg on Saturday, which ended 0-0.
The Guardian reported this week that other clubs have contacted Middlesbrough to discuss their own suspicions of being spied on by Southampton. The Saints concluded the campaign with an extraordinary 19-match unbeaten streak that helped drive them to a top-six finish.
