Spygate: Picture emerges of man outside Middlesbrough training ground amid spying allegations against Southampton | Football news
Sky Sports News obtained a picture showing a man outside Middlesbrough’s training ground with a camera amid spying allegations against Southampton.
This photo appeared following Boro’s complaint that its member Southampton’s the staff checked out one of their training sessions ahead of Saturday’s semi-final first leg between the two clubs.
Southampton were charged with breaching EFL rules after Middlesbrough’s complaint. The matter is being investigated by the Independent Disciplinary Commission.
Sky Sports News chose to blur the face of the man in the picture. Southampton declined to comment when asked about the photo.
The Saints could be eliminated from the play-offs
Southampton booked their place in the Championship final on May 23 with a 2-1 extra-time win against Boro. But Saints could be sacked and denied promotion to the Premier League if the case is upheld.
But it is also possible that the commission decides that Southampton is not guilty, and the case is dropped.
The timing of the hearing depends on the commission, however Sky Sports News they have been told they are well-versed in the fitness required at this stage of the season, with the play-off final looming.
If the commission decides to impose a sports sanction, it is possible that the punishment will be upheld at the beginning of the next season.
The important considerations of this commission are; is there enough evidence to establish malice? And does that wrong deserve a serious punishment in sports?
Actually, does the punishment fit the crime? Would it be a positive outcome if Southampton were denied promotion to the Premier League, with all the accolades and financial benefits that brings, based on this alleged wrongdoing?
The commission has the independence and freedom to impose any sanctions it deems appropriate. That could be anything from a dismissed charge, a slap on the wrist, a fine, a sporting sanction, or a sporting penalty that costs Southampton their place in the play-offs.
If the commission does not sanction the sport, the timing of the play-offs is irrelevant.
A map showing the location of the Middlesbrough training ground (credit: Google Maps)
But we are in untapped territory here. Yes, there is precedent for what happened with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United in 2019, when the club was fined £200,000, but the EFL rules were changed as a result.
Rule 3.4 has been in place for many years – where clubs must always deal with each other “in good faith” – that was the charge against Leeds, that they were not doing so.
But as of 2019, rule 127 has been in effect, which expressly prohibits any club from watching, or attempting to watch, another club’s training within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
Southampton were charged with breaching both rules 3.4 and 127.
Sky Sports News has been told by the EFL and the commission is aware that there are three teams who are very interested in settling the matter – Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull, and that it is not just a matter of two of those teams being prepared to take part in the play-off finals.
But also fan clubs, ticket sales, travel and other things that need to be planned in advance.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship final between Southampton and Middlesbrough.
That is why everyone wants a quick solution to this, but the matter is in the hands of an independent commission and without the control of the EFL.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the threat of expulsion from the play-offs, Southampton are pressing ahead with plans for the play-off final. Send them to X that ticket information will be released on Wednesday afternoon, and tickets will go on sale on Thursday.
What are Boro’s plans amid the ‘spygate’ investigation?
Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie:
Middlesbrough players are expected to return to their training ground on Thursday as planned.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie explains how the Southampton worker was caught trying to watch a Middlesbrough training session.
The idea was for the players to be given a break on Wednesday, and then come back on Thursday to discuss the semi-final.
If they had reached the final they would have been given the weekend off before meeting again on Monday to begin preparations for the final.
If Boro were to be sacked, players and staff would be on holiday from Friday. But that is up in the air right now, as an independent commission looks into the case against Southampton.
