The Football Association has confirmed it will take no further action against Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis following an alleged discriminatory remark towards Middlesbrough's Luke Ayling during Tuesday's Championship play-off semi-final second leg. The decision comes after Ayling chose not to pursue the matter.
The incident occurred in the first half at the Riverside Stadium, prompting referee Andy Madley to stop play and speak with both managers and the fourth official. Ayling had reported the comment to Madley, leading to a brief confrontation between Southampton boss Tonda Eckert and Middlesbrough's Kim Hellberg.
The FA reviewed the referee's report and consulted Middlesbrough, who conveyed Ayling's wish to drop the complaint. Both players were later seen speaking amicably on the pitch, suggesting the issue had been resolved. Harwood-Bellis will be available for Southampton's Championship play-off final against Hull City on May 23.
Southampton won the match 2-1 after extra time, with Shea Charles scoring the decisive goal. However, the club still faces an independent disciplinary commission investigation into allegations that a staff member spied on Middlesbrough's training session before the first leg. Middlesbrough are pushing for sporting sanctions, including potential expulsion from the play-offs.
