The Championship play-off semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough was called off on Tuesday night due to allegations of “discriminatory remarks”.
Luke Ayling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Image: Sky Sports)
The Championship play-off semi-final second leg between Southampton and Middlesbrough was called off on Tuesday due to allegations of “discriminatory remarks”. The incident prompted Boro player Luke Ayling to accuse Saints’ Taylor Harwood-Bellis of making a discriminatory comment.
Referee Andy Madrid stopped play in the first half when Ayling was booked for a foul. It is claimed that Madrid will report the incident after speaking to both managers following the exchange with Harwood-Bellis.
Sky Sports reporter Jonathan Oakes said: “There was an exchange of words between Luke Ayling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Ayling said the words Harwood-Bellis used towards him were discriminatory and that other players around him heard them.”
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“Referee Andy Madeley has spoken to both managers regarding this matter. Madeley has said he will report on the matter.”
Both teams will play for a place in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23rd, with a favorable position in the Premier League at stake. The winner will face Hull City, who beat Millwall 2-0, in the other semi-final.
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Saturday’s first leg ended in a goalless draw between Middlesbrough and Southampton at the Riverside. Boro head to the south coast looking for a five-game unbeaten run but face a difficult task against Saints, who have not lost at home since January.
The visitors took an early lead in Tuesday’s match with a goal from Riley McGree before Ruth Stewart equalized in first-half stoppage time.
Riley Magley dominates Middlesbrough in the early stages (Image: Getty Images)
The lead-up to the semi-finals has been dominated by suspicions of espionage. Saints were charged by the EFL last week with a breach of misconduct rules after Boro reported him to the league for allegedly catching a Southampton employee filming a training session ahead of the first leg.
Saints coach Tonda Eckert was asked about the incident after the game. The German said little in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, instead referring to the club’s statement released on Friday night.
However, questions continued for Eckert at the post-match press conference, and both players left the room after Southampton’s spokesperson finished the press conference.
Asked by reporters about the allegations, he said: “I think the club issued a statement yesterday evening. I think that’s all I can say at this point.”
“I think we can talk about this and I know these questions will come up, but I don’t think we should be distracted by the importance of these two big games.
“The big games always belong to the players, and I think it’s only natural that the spotlight is on them.”
