Middlesbrough have released an official statement regarding Southampton.
This follows the ‘Spygate’ incident and the Saints subsequently qualifying for the play-off final to face Hull City.
Middlesbrough are demanding that Southampton are kicked out and denied the chance to play in that final, with presumably of course Boro to take their place.
An Independent Disciplinary Committee is set to meet and consider the Spygate issue, on or before Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Middlesbrough wanted the chance to attend this hearing themselves but the normal protocol is that they can give written comments in advance to the committee but not attend.
Boro not happy about this and so they have instead released this official public statement in advance of that meeting, making their position clear.
Their statement reading: “Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC. 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.”
Middlesbrough going on to say: “The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, 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 play-off final. We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. The club reserves all its legal rights.”
Interesting to see what the final outcome will be…