MIDDLESBROUGH chiefs want Southampton BOOTED OUT of the Championship play-offs over their spying row.
The Boro hierarchy are piling pressure on the EFL to ensure Saints are hit with “sporting sanctions” rather than only a fine for alleged rule-breaking.
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Middlesbrough chiefs have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship play-offs Credit: Getty
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of cheating after the play-off semi-final first leg Credit: PA
Hundreds of fans gathered at Durham Teesside Valley airport on Monday afternoon as the promotion-chasing Boro squad jetted south ahead of tomorrow’s second leg.
The build-up to Saturday’s goalless draw at the Riverside was dominated by last Thursday’s spying incident at Rockcliffe when a Southampton analyst was allegedly caught red-handed spying on Boro’s training.
The Saints were subsequently charged with a breach of regulations with an Independent Disciplinary Committee to rule on the situation.
The punishments range from a fine to expulsion from the competition.
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It is a nightmare scenario for EFL chiefs, and could potentially leave Boro and their players in limbo even if they are beaten.
Boss Kim Hellberg did not hold back following the first leg, accusing their rivals of “cheating” in a fuming tirade.
However, the Swede cut a more relaxed figure and says his only focus now is on winning at St Mary’s.
He said: “I answered so many questions on Saturday, as honestly as I could to everyone. But now, I need to, and we need to, talk about the game, that is the most important thing now.
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The first leg of the play-off semi-final ended in a 0-0 draw Credit: Alamy
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert refused to answer any questions on ‘spygate’ Credit: Reuters
“I said what I think about it very honestly on Saturday, to everyone, and took my time to do it, but now I want to prepare my team for this game.
“I said what I think about it, I think that’s crystal clear, but it’s up to the people who make the rules. It’s not for me to decide those things.
“I haven’t thought a second more about it [the hearing]. I am just preparing the team, that’s what’s going to happen and we’re going to prepare the team to try to win the game.”
While Hellberg has moved on, senior Boro chiefs have been in regular contact with the EFL. They want the hearing ASAP and want “sporting sanctions” rather than a fine should Southampton be found guilty.
No hearing date has been set as of tonight, but Boro want to present their evidence and findings to the commission.
The potential possibility of Southampton being thrown out of the play-offs, even if they are triumphant tomorrow, compels the EFL to get the matter sorted sharply.
That could leave Boro being forced into keeping their players training even if they suffer defeat until the commission delivers their ruling.
Boro fans mocked Southampton during the match on Saturday Credit: Alamy
Hellberg’s side have been practising penalties since last week, something the Saints may already know, in case the tie needs to be settled via a shootout.
Given the controversy, asked whether a team that has cheated should be allowed to be promoted, he replied: “That’s not for me to answer on. I’ve told you what I think about it. It’s crystal clear. Then it’s the people who make the rules and how they’re going to stand up to the rules. That’s what it’s about. It’s not for me to decide those things.
“It would be beautiful for me if we win, that’s for sure, and for the fans that are supporting Middlesbrough.
“I’m just trying to win and trying to find ways to win for my team, for my supporters, for those who care about Middlesbrough and stand up for us every day. That’s the most important thing for me.”
Meanwhile, Hellberg revealed that star man Hayden Hackney will not be involved and is instead focused on ensuring his fitness for a Wembley final.
The Championship’s Player of the Year, 23, has been sidelined since mid-March with a calf injury but returned to light training last week.
