Middlesbrough have demanded that Southampton be expelled from the Championship play-off final against Hull City, expressing fury at being denied the chance to argue their case at an independent disciplinary hearing. Southampton, who beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in the semi-final, face EFL misconduct charges after Boro alleged they were victims of training-ground spying.
The independent disciplinary commission is due to hear Southampton’s explanation by Tuesday at the latest, with suggestions it could sit over the weekend. Middlesbrough had hoped to attend but their evidence is now with the EFL, which, as standard practice, will present its case. Potential sanctions range from fines to points deductions and expulsion from the play-offs.
In a statement, Middlesbrough said: “The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact. The conduct at issue... goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship playoff final.”
Southampton have the right to appeal against any decision, but Middlesbrough do not, leaving uncertainty over whether the final will take place as scheduled next Saturday. Hull supporter Jack Gorbert, who spent about £2,000 to travel from Melbourne for the Wembley showpiece, said the EFL has “no regard for fans”. He said: “What’s happened is absolutely crazy. I’ve spoken to one fan who is coming from Sydney and someone else coming from Peru.” The former season-ticket holder also criticised the EFL for appearing to hide behind the possibility Middlesbrough could win the semi-final.
The EFL acknowledged the “complex situation” had caused disruption for supporters, while Hull City’s official supporters’ club said the situation had largely resulted from the EFL’s own error in failing to publish sanctions for a breach of the spying rule.
