Southampton\u2019s Taylor Harwood-Bellis allegedly made reference to Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling\u2019s speech impediment during Tuesday\u2019s Championship play-off semi-final decider at St. Mary\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Ayling and Harwood-Bellis were involved in a confrontation during the first half of the match, leading referee Andy Madley to halt play and speak to both managers \u2014 in accordance with the Football Association\u2019s (FA) protocol for dealing with potential incidents of discrimination.<\/p>\n
The FA told The Athletic it would review the referee\u2019s report from Madley. Ultimately, no further action will be taken as Ayling did not wish to pursue the matter, FA sources said.<\/p>\n
Multiple sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, have confirmed that Harwood-Bellis made reference to Ayling\u2019s stammer. Southampton were approached for comment.<\/p>\n
The remark was heard by several of Ayling\u2019s teammates and Madley took statements from both players after the match. Later in the game, which Southampton won in stoppage time, Ayling and Harwood-Bellis were seen having a conversation and embracing.<\/p>\n
Stammering can be classed as a disability in UK law under the 2010 Equality Act, which informs the FA\u2019s rules on discrimination.<\/p>\n
During the managers\u2019 conversation with Madley, Southampton\u2019s Tonda Eckert appeared to confront his Middlesbrough counterpart Kim Hellberg.<\/p>\n
Asked about the moment afterwards, Hellberg told a press conference: \u201cI think it is heat of the moment and feelings and emotions, and we love that about football. That is one thing we really, really love. When it happens on the pitch, it is what it is. It is feelings and emotions in big games.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cOn the pitch, things happen. It is not my role to explain in terms of that. It is better the involved people do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eckert confirmed that Harwood-Bellis and Ayling had spoken after the game and said he was unaware of \u201cwhat happened exactly\u201d between them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve just seen they talked straight after the game and, obviously a lot of emotions, but they seemed fine,\u201d Eckert said. \u201cI need to check with him what happened exactly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere must have been communication on the pitch, but I need to check with (Harwood-Bellis) exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Southampton are already facing charges from the English Football League (EFL) related to an allegation that a member of staff spied on a Middlesbrough training session before last week\u2019s first leg, which finished 0-0.<\/p>\n