Southampton 'spygate' appeal: Middlesbrough FC and Hull City's positions explained with Saints 'confident'

Southampton are reportedly confident in the strength of their appeal as they look to win back their place in the Championship play-off final against Hull City.

The Saints defeated Middlesbrough across two legs to set up a Wembley showdown with the Tigers scheduled for Saturday (May 23).

However, in a development that rocked the world of football, Southampton were removed from the play-offs as punishment for spying.

Middlesbrough were watched in training ahead of their semi-final first leg meeting with Southampton, and the Saints have also been charged with watching sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier in the campaign.

An indepent disciplinary commission also imposed a four-point deduction upon Southampton for the next Championship season.

Southampton ‘confident’ over appeal

Southampton are appealing the decision and and the English Football League said it would be "working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday, May 20”.

According to the BBC’s Simon Stone, Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons has indicated there is a confidence in the club’s appeal.

Posting on X, he said: “Told Southampton lawyers were intending to work overnight re EFL appeal given time they were getting the precise reasons for decision.

“Club feel punishment exceptionally excessive, compared to Leeds. Club staff told by chief executive Phil Parsons club are confident yesterday's decision will be reversed. All parties agreed to get situation dealt with today so match can take place on Saturday.”

Leeds United were fined £200,000 for spying on Derby County back in 2019, before the introduction of a rule outlawing it.

Middlesbrough’s position

For Middlesbrough, it is a case of waiting with bated breath as a panel runs the rule over Southampton’s appeal.

Kim Hellberg’s players have been training since their play-off semi-final defeat and will continue to do so in the hope they will be in action on Saturday.

A statement issued by Boro yesterday (May 19) read: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary commission hearing.

“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”

Hull City’s position

Hull are the only club who know with absolute certainty they have a spot in the play-off final. However, they are currently in the difficult position of having to prepare to face two potential opponents.

On Monday (May 18), Hull were allocated an extra 2,000 tickets having already sold over 30,000 of the 35,984 they were initially given for the Wembley final. The Yorkshire Post understands they have now crossed the 33,000-mark.

Southampton were given the same initial allocation and were later given an extra 1,620.

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