Southampton manager Tonda Eckert and technical director Johannes Spors could be suspended if they are found to have sanctioned the Spygate operation involving the club. Saints secured a spot at Wembley this week by defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final. Shay Charles’s decisive strike late in extra time came after accusations of spying were made before the first leg at Riverside Stadium at the weekend.
Southampton have been accused of misconduct by the EFL after Boro reportedly caught a member of their analyst team spying on Rockliffe’s training facility. This has led to questions as to whether the south coast side will play Hull for a chance to qualify for the Premier League. A hearing has not yet been scheduled but will be overseen by an independent disciplinary committee. If Southampton are found guilty, one potential consequence could be a suspension for either Eckert or Sporse, reports The Sun.
The person allegedly involved is named as intern William Salt. Before being challenged, he was photographed hiding behind a tree and using his mobile phone to observe the Teessiders’ training session.
Salt was previously photographed on Saints manager Eckert’s shoulder as he celebrated winning the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award in February. He has not appeared in recent photos.
Middlesbrough are set to take legal action and are believed to have credit card details used by this person at the adjoining golf club in Rockliffe, part of a complex owned by Boro chairman Steve Gibson, which could form part of the documentary evidence that strengthens their case.
Gibson has engaged prominent sports lawyer Nick De Marco, and the Teesside club is calling for an EFL hearing to begin before the weekend to seek clarity.
Kim Helberg and her players, who had an emotional reaction after Middlesbrough’s season ended against St Mary’s on Tuesday night, continue to train, but there remains a chance that Southampton could be kicked out of the play-off final and Southampton could return.
In an embarrassing U-turn, Southampton have now deleted all updates about tickets they mistakenly posted when sharing information about the final on Wednesday night.
The club claims the confusion over tickets did not arise from a possible expulsion, but from the fact that details were due to be announced at the same time as fellow finalist Hull.
