Boro call for Saints to be thrown out of play-off final

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be thrown out of the Championship play-off final, describing their ejection as 'the only appropriate response' to the ongoing Spygate scandal.

Southampton, who beat Boro 2-1 in their play-off semi-final, have been charged with breaching EFL regulations after Middlesbrough complained that a member of Southampton's staff spied on one of their training sessions.

On Friday, Middlesbrough said the accusation of spying "goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final."

As it stands, Southampton are scheduled to meet Hull City at Wembley on Saturday May 23 in the final.

But the EFL confirmed on Thursday that the date of the final may change as a result of the ongoing investigation. An independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19.

Middlesbrough will not be permitted to participate in the hearing.

"The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact," said Boro.

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Sky Sports News has obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough's training ground with a camera.

Middlesbrough's statement in full

In their statement, Middlesbrough said:

'Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.

'The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.

'The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.