As fans wait to find out whether Saints remain in the play-offs, Middlesbrough have reportedly filed a further complaint against Southampton with the EFL, adding to the original Spygate claims
There are many complaints about Middlesbrough (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Middlesbrough have reportedly lodged further complaints against Southampton following their play-off semi-final defeat at the hands of the Saints. Boro lost in extra time on the south coast amid the Spygate scandal, while Southampton were accused of flouting EFL regulations by secretly observing Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the play-off semi-final first leg.
The Telegraph said a bottle was thrown at Boro’s team bus before the St Mary’s clash and the Teessiders included inadequate safety arrangements in their complaint report to the EFL.
The club’s biggest concern remains the spying controversy that erupted just days before the first leg.
Middlesbrough manager Kim Helberg and Southampton’s Tonda Eckert share an apparently icy relationship, and tensions between them have been high throughout the promotion battle.
The latter stormed out of two press conferences, the second time after being asked whether he had cheated following allegations he had spied on Middlesbrough training. Saints were subsequently charged by the EFL.
read more: Middlesbrough receive ‘new evidence’ in Spygate scandal, plan ahead for play-off finalread more: Labor MP makes strong demands on EFL over Spygate scandal following Middlesbrough complaint
Middlesbrough’s claims may be strengthened as they have reportedly received evidence from at least two other Championship clubs that they believe they were also being “spy on”. If the allegations are confirmed, Southampton face sanctions ranging from financial penalties to expulsion from the play-offs.
Controversy continues to swirl after the south coast clash, with the Football Association set to review referee Andrew Madrid’s report before deciding whether to launch an investigation into Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling is said to have passed on Harwood-Bellis’ comments directed at him to Madrid.
Following the incident, officials called off the match during the match. Madrid will speak with both managers and the FA will assess the information provided by Madrid before deciding whether to investigate.
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Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are reported to have asked leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco for assistance in their corner battle with Southampton. De Marco has won a series of high-profile court cases, most notably his battle to proceed with Newcastle United’s takeover of the Premier League.
He also represented FIFA, representing 45 clubs across England, including Manchester United and Chelsea, and footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lucas Paqueta.
Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis clashes with Middlesbrough’s Luke Ayling (Image: Getty Images)
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Despite the playoff loss, Helberg is determined to keep his team in shape should new opportunities arise.
After remaining at Southampton on Tuesday night, the club arranged a flight home for him on Wednesday and is expected to return to training on Friday, although he has been given two days off to recover from the second-leg defeat in case Saints’ actions are deemed worthy of a sending off.
The play-off final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, but it is unclear when Southampton’s hearing will take place. The EFL is calling for the ‘Spygate’ disciplinary hearing and subsequent appeal to be completed in time for the finals later this month.
Helberg believes the sentence should be handed down, but he was pressed. “That’s not for me to decide,” he said. “From my point of view, how it feels to be a coach, I’m not talking about punishment. I’m just talking about my feelings on the matter and taking the time to congratulate the Southampton players and supporters.”
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