Southampton have reached the Championship playoff final after a 2-1 extra-time win over Middlesbrough, but the ‘spygate’ controversy continues to shadow the club. Saints head coach Tonda Eckert walked out of the postmatch news conference after being asked directly, “Are you a cheat?”
The EFL has asked an Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the usual 14-day response period and to list a hearing “at the earliest opportunity.” The commission will decide if, and how, to punish Southampton. Sources have told ESPN that Middlesbrough would push for the sternest possible outcome, which would be Southampton’s exclusion from the playoff final.
The Championship playoff final is scheduled for May 23 and could be postponed if the disciplinary hearing continues. A statement warned supporters the outcome of proceedings “may yet result in changes to the fixture,” and said the EFL has contingency plans that include consideration of any appeal process.
Southampton have asked for time to carry out an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the incident, saying adequate time is needed to establish the full context before responding to the charge. Chief executive Phil Parsons told the club website the club “is fully co-operating with the EFL and the disciplinary commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.” He added the club had requested time to complete that process “thoroughly and responsibly.”
Eckert declined to discuss the potential punishment, saying, “No, I don’t know,” and that there was “nothing I can say at the moment, because it’s an ongoing investigation.” He said the club was “taking the matter very seriously” and that he would comment in due course. Middlesbrough returned for a team meeting on Thursday as they await the outcome.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg criticised the alleged filming, saying it would have left him feeling he had failed had his staff not discovered the matter. Hellberg described the conduct as “disgraceful” and added, “it breaks my heart in terms of all those things I believe in.” On May 13 the Daily Mail published photos of the man alleged to have been caught filming Middlesbrough’s training session.
