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Soccer
Saints staff member 'fled and changed appearance' after spying accusations at Boro
TL;DR
Middlesbrough has filed a complaint to the EFL, alleging a Southampton staff member was caught spying on their training session. The individual reportedly fled and attempted to change his appearance after being confronted.
Key points
- Middlesbrough filed a complaint to the EFL.
- A Southampton staff member was allegedly spying on training.
- The individual fled and changed appearance after being confronted.
- EFL rules prohibit spying less than 72 hours before a match.
- The 'spygate' incident in 2019 led to stricter regulations.
MiddlesbroughSouthamptonEFL
Middlesbrough have made a formal complaint to the EFL alleging a man they believe to be a Southampton member of staff was spying on their training session on Thursday, ahead of the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final between the two teams, Sky Sports News understands.
Sky Sports News understand Boro staff spotted a man taking pictures and videos of training and approached him. He was asked to delete them, provide his identity and his intentions for being there, at which point he is said to have fled to a nearby indoor part of the training complex.
He is then said to have tried to change his appearance before leaving Rockcliffe entirely.
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EFL rules strictly prohibit opponents spying on training sessions less than 72 hours before kick-off - a rule brought in following a "spygate" incident in 2019.
Seven years ago, then Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending a member of staff to spy on Derby County and Leeds were fined £200,000 following an investigation.
Boro play Southampton in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at the Riverside Stadium at lunchtime on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
EFL rule 127 was brought in on "Prohibited Conduct - Observing Training Sessions", which states: "Without prejudice to the requirements of Regulation 3.4 (that each Club shall behave towards each other Club with the utmost good faith), no Club shall directly or indirectly observe (or attempt to observe) another Club's training session in the period of 72 hours prior to any match scheduled to be played between those respective Clubs."
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Q&A
What allegations did Middlesbrough make against Southampton staff?
Middlesbrough alleged that a Southampton staff member was spying on their training session by taking pictures and videos.
What happened when Middlesbrough staff confronted the alleged spy?
When confronted, the man fled to a nearby indoor area of the training complex and attempted to change his appearance before leaving.
What are the EFL rules regarding spying on training sessions?
EFL rules prohibit opponents from spying on training sessions less than 72 hours before a match, a regulation established after the 'spygate' incident in 2019.
What is the significance of the 'spygate' incident in relation to this case?
'Spygate' refers to a previous controversy in 2019 that led to stricter EFL rules against spying on training sessions, making this allegation particularly serious.
