Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling has informed the Football Association that he will not pursue an allegation of a discriminatory remark made by Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis during Tuesday night's Championship play-off semi-final. The FA has now closed the matter.
It is understood that Ayling initially flagged to referee Andrew Madley that Harwood-Bellis had referenced his stammer. The official paused proceedings to speak with the coaches of both teams. Following a review of Madley's report, the FA contacted Middlesbrough on Wednesday but was told Ayling did not wish to take the allegation further.
The incident adds to a dramatic period for Southampton, who are facing charges from the English Football League over claims they spied on a Middlesbrough training session last week. The timing for an independent commission hearing to examine these 'Spygate' charges remains unconfirmed, but the EFL has requested the commission convenes at the earliest possible opportunity.
Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons issued a statement on Tuesday requesting adequate time to respond to the charges. Potential sanctions range from a warning to expulsion. Should a points penalty be recommended, the Premier League board could apply it to the club's table for next season if they achieve promotion.
On Wednesday, the Daily Mail published photographs of the individual alleged to have been caught filming Boro's training session, identifying him as a member of head coach Tonda Eckert's staff. Southampton are preparing as normal for the play-off final and have announced ticket sales will commence on Friday morning.
