Middlesbrough have reportedly lodged a further complaint against Southampton with the EFL, adding to their original Spygate claim, as fans await to see if the Saints remain in the play-offs
Middlesbrough have a number of complaints(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Middlesbrough have reportedly launched a further complaint against Southampton following their play-off semi-final elimination at the hands of the Saints. Boro were beaten in extra time on the south coast against the backdrop of the Spygate scandal, with Southampton accused of flouting EFL regulations by covertly observing Middlesbrough’s training sessions ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg.
Bottles were then hurled at the Boro team bus prior to the St Mary’s clash, and the Teessiders have now included inadequate security arrangements within a dossier of grievances submitted to the EFL, according to The Telegraph.
The club’s primary concern remains the spying controversy that erupted just days before the first leg.
Tensions have run high between the two sides throughout their promotion battle, with Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg and Southampton’s Tonda Eckert sharing a distinctly frosty relationship.
The latter stormed out of press conferences on two separate occasions, the second coming after he was asked whether he was a cheat following allegations that his side had spied on Middlesbrough’s training. The Saints have since been charged by the EFL.
READ MORE: Middlesbrough have ‘new evidence’ in Spygate row and make plans for play-off finalREAD MORE: Labour MP makes strong demand to EFL over Spygate saga after Middlesbrough complaints
Middlesbrough’s case may be bolstered after reportedly receiving evidence from at least two other Championship clubs, who believe they were also ‘spied on’. Southampton face sanctions ranging from a financial penalty to expulsion from the play-offs should the allegations be upheld.
Controversy continues to swirl following the clash on the south coast, with the Football Association set to review referee Andrew Madley’s report before determining whether to launch an investigation into Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling is understood to have informed Madley of a remark directed at him by Harwood-Bellis.
The incident prompted the official to bring proceedings to a halt during the match. Madley spoke with both managers, and the FA will only decide whether to pursue an investigation once they have assessed the information he submits.
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Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have reportedly enlisted leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco to fight their corner against Southampton. De Marco has secured victories in a string of high-profile cases, most notably Newcastle United’s battle against the Premier League to push through their takeover.
He has also represented FIFA, acted on behalf of 45 clubs across England, including Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lucas Paqueta.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton clashes with Luke Ayling of Middlesbrough(Image: Getty Images)
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Despite their playoff exit, Hellberg is determined to keep his squad sharp should any fresh opportunity present itself.
After remaining in Southampton on Tuesday night, the club arranged their return flight for Wednesday and are now due back in training on Friday, having been handed two days off to recover from the second leg defeat — just in case it is ruled that Saints’ behaviour warrants expulsion.
The play-off final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, with no certainty over when Southampton’s hearing will take place. The EFL is pushing for the ‘Spygate’ disciplinary hearing, along with any subsequent appeal, to be wrapped up before the final later this month.
Hellberg was pressed on when he believes a ruling should be reached. “That’s not my decision to make,” he said. “From my perspective, how it feels to be a coach, I’m not talking about punishment, I’m just talking about my own feelings around this and taking my time to congratulate Southampton players and supporters.”
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