Spygate LIVE: Southampton and Middlesbrough decision close as play-off final in doubt

Middlesbrough eagerly await the outcome of a hearing into Southampton's spying as the Spygate controversy comes to a head before the playoff final this weekend

Welcome to TeessideLive's coverage as Middlesbrough await a decision on the Spygate row they have become embroiled in.

The clock is counting down as the club wait to discover whether they have a future in the play-offs despite being defeated by the Saints. Kim Hellberg cut an emotional figure after the extra-time hammer-blow against Southampton.

A week on, it's still uncertain when the playoff final will take place and who will face Hull in it. Spying charges against Southampton are set to be heard on or before Tuesday, casting doubt over the scheduling of the weekend's showpiece event.

The Saints were charged by the EFL with spying on a training session conducted by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. The EFL then released a statement on Thursday afternoon confirming the hearing would take place "on or before Tuesday, May 19".

Given the enormity of what is at stake, an appeal could be inevitable, leading to concerns over the prospect of a final scheduled for five days' time.

Nevertheless, the EFL stated it "continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled", with a 4.30pm kick-off scheduled.

Follow all of the updates of what comes next and what it could mean for Boro below:

The case for expulsion

Stewart's law firm believes there is a case for Southampton to be expelled from the playoffs if they are found guilty of their breach.

The firm has taken a look at the context around the situation and provided its conclusion.

If Southampton is found to have breached Rule 127.1, it can only be said to have been a deliberate act committed with the intention of obtaining a sporting advantage over Middlesbrough in a football match that Southampton went on to win in a knock-out competition. Taken together, if a sporting sanction is appropriate for a sporting breach, there seems to be a persuasive argument that, in the context of knock-out football, the only effective sporting sanction would be expulsion. The EFL Commission’s decision is eagerly awaited, given the high stakes involved and imminent conclusion of the Championship season with the play-off final. In the meantime, the hopes and dreams of many fans hang in the balance."

Expulsion precedent

Craig Johns has taken a look at why Middlesbrough could expect Southampton to be kicked out of the playoffs.

Swindon Town were booted out of the EFL Trophy this season, and while the scenarios are different, there could be important lessons in the reasoning.

'Absolute disgrace'

Former Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith has had his say on Spygate and he didn't pull any punches.

Speaking to the +72 Football Daily Podcast he offered a forthright opinion.

“I’ll be totally honest, when I first heard the news, it’s something you almost can’t believe. I’m thinking, ‘that can’t be true’. With everything that went on in 2019 with Marcelo Bielsa, and the rules that were implemented on the back of that - and rightly so to stop teams doing this type of stuff - only for it to then happen now, on the eve of one of the biggest games in English football. “I think it’s an absolute disgrace, I really do. I feel that strongly about it. For all the hard work that goes into a 46-game season - all the coaches, all the analysts, all the staff that put so much effort to give the players the best platform to go and produce and get the best outcome. There’s no other word for it in my view than disgraceful. I don’t know what the punishment is going to be. But, in my opinion, it needs to be strong. There is just no place in the game for it.”

‌

Clubs not getting involved

Middlesbrough are said to have included their belief that other clubs have been spied upon in their submission to the EFL, but the Telegraph reports that a number of Championship clubs simply don't want to get involved.

One club, who don't know they've been spied on, are claimed to have said: "It’s done, we can’t get involved, it’s not going to affect us now."

'Expulsion is the only possible punishment'

Middlesbrough hope to find out the result of the independent EFL investigation into Southampton's alleged spying this week.

We've asked our fan panel, which consists of Youtube analyst Phil Spencer, Boro Breakdown co-host Dana Malt, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy and Twe12th Man member John Donovan, their thoughts for if Boro have to go through the play-offs.

Obviously, there are some strong feelings.

Boro blow

While we still await news on whether Boro have a chance to compete in the play-off final, they've already had a blow.

Forward Tommy Conway has been ruled out of any such fixture and is set to miss the World Cup as his ankle injury requires surgery.

Conway went off in tears after suffering the issue during the Championship play-off semi-final defeat at Southampton.

‌

Hull focused

The Tigers do not know who their opponents will be but Hull owner Acun Ilicali has said he wants his team to simply focus on football.

“This is football, and there is a saying that I really like and believe in, ‘football is not just football’, so you can see that all this week has been so many things going on without the pitch and without the football field.

He believes in his team despite an uncomfortable situation.

“I don’t want to comment on anything at the moment about these things. I have asked my players to fully focus on the game. “Maybe it looks like it’s not a comfortable situation for our boys, but they know what to do, and I believe in them, so with any result, we have the full respect.”

State of play

As it stands, Southampton will face Hull this weekend at Wembley. Will that be the case come the end of the week? Who knows?

Charges against the Saints are set to be heard on or before Tuesday. How long the process and appeals process could drag on for is yet to be determined.

Middlesbrough have continued their preparations after being knocked out of the playoffs by Southampton last week.

Good morning

Thanks for joining us as we await more updates in the Spygate drama that has unfolded after it was alleged Southampton spied on Middlesbrough training ahead of their playoff sem-final clash.

We'll bring you all of the updates.

Follow Teesside Live:

‌

Click here to read article