Middlesbrough Demand Southampton Expulsion From Championship Play-Off Final Over Spygate

Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off campaign was thrown into turmoil after the EFL charged Southampton with spying on a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park ahead of their semi-final first leg, with the league requesting an independent commission to examine the matter "at the earliest opportunity".

The EFL confirmed the disciplinary hearing would take place "on or before Tuesday, May 19" as the Championship play-off final at Wembley was still scheduled for Saturday, May 23 with a 4.30pm kick-off.

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Middlesbrough said Southampton beat them 2-1 in the semi-final second leg after extra time, and the fallout left Hull City uncertain of its opponent for the Wembley showpiece.

Sky Sports reported Middlesbrough called for Southampton to be expelled from the play-off final, describing it as "only appropriate response" to the ongoing Spygate scandal.

The dispute also raised questions over whether the final date could change, with the EFL stating it continues to plan on the basis that the final will take place as scheduled while the precise hearing date "remains under discussion".

Middlesbrough’s statement said the conduct at issue "goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition" and argued that "the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating" in the play-off final.

The EFL said it does not control the timetable because the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, while also confirming it continues to plan for the final to take place as scheduled on Saturday May 23 with kick-off at 4.30pm.

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Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic insisted the game must go ahead on Saturday, telling the Telegraph Sport: "The game must be Saturday. Because how can I keep focus and concentration for the players if they will postpone this game?"

In response to the uncertainty, the EFL revealed contingency plans "should they be required" including consideration of an appeal process if required.

Sky Sports also reported that it obtained a photo showing a man outside Middlesbrough’s training ground with a camera, with Southampton declining to comment when asked about the photo.

The range of potential sanctions described by the sources included fines, points deductions or expulsion from the playoffs, with the independent disciplinary commission due to hear Southampton’s explanation "by Tuesday at the latest".

“Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be expelled from the Championship play-off final over the Spygate saga that has dominated the English Football League's (EFL) end-of season showpiece”

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Middlesbrough said it was denied a chance to intervene after the Disciplinary Commission rejected its request to participate in the hearing, and the Guardian reported that Middlesbrough do not have the right to appeal even though Southampton have the right to appeal.

An expatriate Hull supporter, Jack Gorbert, said the EFL has "no regard for fans" after booking flights to London, adding "I’d probably sell a kidney if I had to."

The Guardian also quoted the EFL acknowledging that the situation had caused concern and disruption for supporters making travel arrangements, while the Hull City official supporters’ club said the EFL should have decided on a specific punishment for espionage.

With the final still scheduled for Saturday May 23 at 4.30pm unless changed, the stakes for both clubs and supporters hinge on the disciplinary commission’s decision following the hearing on or before Tuesday May 19.