Middlesbrough have lodged a dossier of grievances against Southampton with the EFL following their Championship play-off semi-final defeat, with the Saints already charged over alleged spying on Boro’s training sessions
Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton clashes with Luke Ayling of Middlesbrough(Image: Getty Images)
Middlesbrough have ‘launched a further complaint’ against Southampton following their play-off semi-final defeat to the Saints. Boro were beaten in extra time on the south coast amid the backdrop of the spygate scandal, with Southampton accused of breaching EFL rules by watching Middlesbrough’s training sessions ahead of their first play-off encounter.
Bottles were hurled at the Boro team bus before the St Mary’s clash, and the Teessiders have now included inadequate security arrangements within a dossier of grievances submitted to the EFL, according to the Telegraph. However, the club’s primary concern remains the spying controversy that erupted just days before the first leg.
Tensions have run high between the two sides throughout their promotion battle, with Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg and Southampton’s Tonda Eckert sharing a distinctly frosty relationship.
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The latter walked out of press conferences on two separate occasions, the second coming after he was asked whether he was a cheat following allegations that his side had spied on Middlesbrough’s training. The Saints have since been charged by the EFL.
Middlesbrough’s case may be bolstered after reportedly receiving evidence from at least two other Championship clubs, who believe they were also ‘spied on’. Southampton face sanctions ranging from a fine to expulsion from the play-offs should the allegations be upheld. Controversy continues to surround the clash on the south coast, with the Football Association set to review referee Andrew Madley’s report before determining whether to launch an investigation into Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling is alleged to have informed Madley of a remark directed at him by Harwood-Bellis, reports Teesside Live.
This prompted the official to temporarily halt play during the match. Madley spoke with both managers, and the FA will only decide whether to pursue an investigation once they have assessed the information he submits.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have reportedly enlisted prominent sports lawyer Nick De Marco to represent them in their case against Southampton. De Marco has secured victories in numerous high-profile cases, most notably Newcastle United’s dispute with the Premier League which facilitated their takeover.
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He has also represented FIFA, acted on behalf of 45 clubs across England, including Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lucas Paqueta.
Despite their play-off elimination, manager Hellberg is determined to keep his squad ready for any eventuality. After spending Tuesday night in Southampton, the club arranged their return flight for Wednesday and are now scheduled to train on Friday, following two days off to recuperate from the second leg defeat — all in preparation should Southampton be deemed guilty of conduct warranting expulsion. The play-off final is scheduled for May 23, with doubt surrounding when Southampton’s hearing will occur. The EFL is working towards ensuring the ‘Spygate’ disciplinary hearing, along with any potential appeal, is completed before the final takes place later this month.
When Hellberg was questioned about when he thinks a verdict should be reached, he responded: “That’s not my decision to make,” and added: “From my perspective, how it feels to be a coach, I’m not talking about punishment, I’m just talking about my own feelings around this and taking my time to congratulate Southampton players and supporters.”
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