An independent commission ruled that Southampton breached EFL regulations by spying on Middlesbrough’s training sessions before their Championship play-off semi-final, leading to their expulsion from the final against Hull City.
Alan Shearer is a former Southampton player (Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have both suggested that Southampton’s removal from the Championship play-off final was excessive, claiming a hefty fine would have been a more suitable sanction. An independent commission determined that the Saints had violated regulations by conducting surveillance on Middlesbrough’s training sessions ahead of their play-off semi-final earlier this month.
Following their admission to multiple violations, including surveillance of three clubs throughout the season, Southampton were ejected from the play-offs and given a four-point penalty for the 2026/27 Championship season. The club has subsequently lodged an appeal and will learn their ultimate outcome later on Wednesday.
Southampton, who defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 across two legs to secure their place in the Championship play-off final, were originally charged with contravening EFL regulations. The club stood accused of dispatching a performance analyst to covertly record Boro’s training session prior to the first leg.
The analyst captured footage and photographs before being discovered and erasing the material. Middlesbrough insisted that Southampton be excluded from the final against Hull City, describing it as ‘the only appropriate response’ and maintaining the incident compromised ‘sporting integrity and fair competition.’
A hearing was held on Tuesday, with the verdict delivered later that evening, ejecting Saints from the final and restoring Boro’s place. “I must say I was shocked at that news that broke this afternoon. Southampton, because of Spygate, I mean, I have to say I’m not sure the crime warrants this punishment,” Lineker admitted on The Rest is Football podcast.
“I mean, a little guy with an iPhone filming, I mean, it’s gone on forever that sort of thing and I don’t really know what anyone gets out of it, it’s breaking the rules – we know that. But I don’t know, a giant fine would have probably suffice it, I would think. But also, Steph McGovern from the ‘Rest is Money’ podcast, huge Middlesbrough fan, she was absolutely thrilled. It’s mad.”, reports Teesside Live.
Meanwhile, Shearer, who turned out for Southampton between 1988 and 1992, concurred that his former club deserved a more lenient sanction. “I know they’ve appealed and the appeal is tomorrow, but I’m with you in terms of the crime and the punishment,” Shearer began.
“I mean, I know [Marcelo] Bielsea did it and they changed the rules after they got a fine but I was expecting more of a huge fine rather than full expulsion from the final. Let’s see what happens on the appeal. It’s bonkers that they have done it and have been caught in the way they have done.
“It’s not a good look. In fact, it’s stupid what they’ve done and what they’ve been doing but I’m with you, you know. I know Middlesbrough went full in, in terms of going after Southampton and I guess you would if you feel that strongly and you’ve been hurt or they feell as if they’ve been damaged that much.”
Shearer continued: “I mean, for the money and for what’s at stake, what Southampton are about to lose. You’re talking hundreds of millions of pounds aren’t you?
“The fans are the ones who suffer, they’re the ones who pay their money every single week, year after year after year. The fans are the ones that have been punished.”
The EFL released a statement confirming the ruling, which read: “An independent disciplinary commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after the club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training.
“In addition, the club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026-27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges. The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the play-off final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday, 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.”
A statement released by Middlesbrough read: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary commission hearing. We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”
A ruling on Southampton’s appeal against the EFL’s decision is anticipated today (Wednesday), with the club’s legal team reported to have worked through the night to mount a thorough challenge against the punishment handed down.
Meanwhile, Boro have been informed that Saturday’s final against Hull City will now get under way at 3.30pm. Should Southampton’s appeal prove successful and see them reinstated to face Hull, however, the Wembley showpiece will revert to its originally scheduled 4.30pm kick-off.
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