Middlesbrough say Southampton should not be allowed to compete in play-off final

Middlesbrough say Southampton should not be allowed to compete in play-off final

Middlesbrough say Southampton should be prevented from taking their place in the Championship play-off final over allegations of spying.

Southampton were charged by the EFL after Middlesbrough reported that their training session before the semi-final first leg of the play-offs was spied on by someone from Southampton.

Middlesbrough were knocked out after a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Southampton, but have called on the EFL to act and deny them a chance of promotion to the Premier League.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.

“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.

“The club reserves all its legal rights.”

Play-off final could yet be moved

In a statement also released on Friday, the EFL warned that there could be changes to the fixture depending on the outcome of the investigation.