Saturday’s play-off final at Wembley continues to endure a chaotic build-up
Hull City are now set to face Boro at Wembley this weekend (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Hull City have been left frustrated by the latest developments in the spygate saga, which saw Middlesbrough replace Southampton in Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The build-up to this weekend’s game has been nothing short of chaotic, with Southampton expelled from the final on Tuesday night after an independent disciplinary panel decided their level of cheating required a strong punishment.
The South Coast club have lodged their appeal, and that will be heard on Wednesday, with the outcome expected later in the day. There will be no further appeals process once that has been heard, and the new panel’s decision will be final.
As part of their usual preparation for a Saturday game without a midweek clash, City’s players were given Wednesday off, and when they return to Cottingham on Thursday, attention will be focused on Boro with the manager and skipper Lewie Coyle on media duties.
Sergej Jakirovic and his coaching staff have now shifted to preparing for Kim Hellberg’s men, who were beaten 2-1 at St Mary’s in the second leg of their controversial play-off semi-final.
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At boardroom level, City are in dialogue with the EFL as well as taking legal advice, as suggested by sporting director Jared Dublin in conversation with Hull Live last week.
As it stands, City will face Boro at 3:30pm on Saturday, with the Teesside club now attempting to shift the best part of 38,000 tickets that were originally sold to Southampton.
No actual tickets had been sent to any supporters from either Southampton or City on the advice of the EFL, pending the outcome of the hearing. Those tickets are now set to be released to fans. City have sold in excess of 33,000 tickets for the final, with just under 5,000 remaining.
“Hull City ’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough at Wembley on Saturday 23 May will now kick-off at 3:30pm,” the Tigers said on Wednesday.
“Should the outcome of the ongoing appeal process result in Southampton contesting the final against the Tigers, kick-off will revert to 4:30pm.
“Supporters who have successfully purchased tickets will receive their digital match tickets once the Club is permitted to distribute them.
“The club remains in regular dialogue with all relevant stakeholders and will communicate further details, including ticket release and Tiger Travel information, once final confirmation of the fixture has been received.
“We would like to thank our supporters for their continued understanding and patience. We cannot wait to see a sea of black and amber under the arch this weekend.”
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