Middlesbrough insist they need to knock Southampton out of the play-off final to maintain sporting integrity following the Spygate scandal that ruined their semi-final performance.
Middlesbrough still hope Southampton are kicked out of the play-off final (Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Middlesbrough said they “regret” the EFL’s decision not to involve the club in legal proceedings against Southampton because they are “directly affected by this matter” and said they expected to see them kicked out of the play-off final.
The Teesside club, who lost to Saints in the play-off semi-final following the Spygate scandal, is hopeful that authorities will impose a “sporting sanction”, which could see Middlesbrough advance to the final at the expense of Southampton.
Saints were charged by the EFL after staff were caught watching their opponents practice ahead of the first leg at Riverside Stadium. The first match ended goalless, with Southampton winning 2-1 in their own half.
This earned them the right to play Hull at Wembley later this month, but the EFL is investigating the matter from behind closed doors as Middlesbrough step up pressure “to protect the integrity of the game”.
They said in a statement: “Middlesbrough FC takes note of the disciplinary committee’s decision not to allow the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.”
read more: Middlesbrough escalate tensions over Southampton Spygate hearing over ‘unusual request’read more: Date Championship Playoff Finals Possible to Be Held Amidst Confusion Due to Spygate Incident
“The club regrets this outcome, having been directly affected by the matter under consideration and having relevant factual evidence regarding the events in question and their impact on the competition.
“The conduct in question, namely the observation and recording of training sessions in the run-up to such an important match, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction to prevent Southampton FC from competing in the EFL Championship play-off final.”
“We continue to expect that the EFL, as a regulatory body, will seek such sanctions at the Disciplinary Committee in order to protect the integrity of the game, protect all member clubs and deter any future attempts to gain unfair and illegal benefits in the pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. The clubs reserve all legal rights.”
Middlesbrough manager Kim Helberg cuts an emotional figure after full-time (Image: Warren Little, Getty Images)
Boro manager Kim Helberg went emotional after the defeat earlier in the week, saying: “My heart breaks for everything I believe in. That’s the problem. I don’t care if each country has other rules. This is England, where football is most important. That’s how I feel about football. I think it’s a disgrace. It’s very sad.”
Southampton remained tight-lipped, with coach Tonda Eckert walking out of a press conference over the weekend while answering questions about the scandal, but repeated the trick after Tuesday’s Saints win when asked about possible foul play.
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