Southampton acknowledgement as EFL charge Middlesbrough FC's play-offs opponents
THE English Football League have charged Southampton amid the Spygate rumpus which has dominated the build-up to their Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough – with the south coast club subsequently issuing a response.
Saints have been charged with a breach of EFL regulations after a member of staff was alleged to have spied on Boro’s training ahead of their first leg, which takes place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday lunch-time.
The Hampshire outfit acknowledged the charges in a brief statement late on Friday evening.
The Daily Mail first reported that an individual was spotted and approached by staff at Boro’s training base on Thursday.
It is claimed that the individual allegedly deleted video and pictures from his mobile phone before leaving.
An EFL statement on Friday night read: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.
"This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg.
"The charges relate to the following regulations: EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.
"Under EFL regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity.
"The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing.”
A Saints statement read: "Southampton Football Club 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."
Back in February 2019, Leeds United were fined £200,000 by the governing body for watching opponents train before matches.
A member of Leeds' staff was found acting suspiciously outside Derby County’s training ground before the fixture between the two sides in January.
Marcelo Bielsa, who was managing Leeds at the time, said he had sent a member of staff to watch every team they have played this season train.
The EFL found Leeds breached rules over treating teams with "good faith".
Boro’s first leg kicks off at the Riverside Stadium at 12.30pm, with the second leg taking place at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.