Southampton have confirmed they have asked for more time to complete an internal review into spying allegations, as play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough push for their expulsion.
Daily Mail Sport revealed last Thursday that a Southampton first-team analyst was caught allegedly recording Middlesbrough’s training from the bushes ahead of Saturday’s play-off semi-final first leg, which ended goalless.
On Friday night, the EFL charged the South Coast club with a breach of their rules.
Ahead of the second leg on Tuesday night, Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons confirmed the club has asked the EFL for more time to respond, with the club stating it wants to establish the ‘full context’ before conclusions are drawn.
‘The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood,’ Parsons said in a statement.
‘Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.
Southampton have pleaded for more time to respond to the EFL over the spygate investigation
A Southampton first-team analyst was caught allegedly recording Middlesbrough’s training from the bushes ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg (pictured – Boro’s training ground)
Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons said the club wants to establish the ‘full context’ before conclusions are drawn
‘We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn.
‘Having spent a significant amount of time around this football club, I know the character of the people within it. The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made, and I am confident that spirit will remain unchanged.
‘This season has represented another important step forward for the football club. While we know there is still more work ahead of us and we are not yet where we ultimately want to be, the unity shown during challenging moments has continued to define Southampton Football Club.
‘The support from our fans throughout the season has once again been exceptional, and everyone connected with the club remains fully committed to building long-term success in the right way.
‘Dragan Solak continues to support the club financially, and we remain proud to have stayed competitive while operating within financial regulations, something that is important for the long-term stability of the club.
‘Our focus now turns fully to this evening’s game. This is the time for all of us to get behind the team and create another special atmosphere at St Mary’s.’
Daily Mail Sport understands there is a suspicion that the sessions of several Championship clubs have been secretly observed by Saints staff this season.
Sources close to the case say the League have been asked to obtain all relevant devices and records that could reveal evidence of previous spying. A digital footprint of suspected individuals, including bank statements, could prove significant, if such activity did occur on multiple occasions.
The semi-final second leg takes place on Tuesday night, with Middlesbrough expected to continue training even if they lose as the club pushes for Southampton’s explusion
The first leg of the semi-final finished goalless amid heightened tension amid the allegations
It is not yet known if this evidence will form part of Southampton’s impending hearing in front of an independent disciplinary commission or when that will take place, with the play-off final scheduled for a week on Saturday.
The commission has it within their power to impose a range of sanctions if Southampton are found guilty of spying, from a fine to expulsion from this season’s competition. It is thought Middlesbrough’s hierarchy will push for the latter.
That being the case, it is likely Kim Hellberg’s squad would continue training for the time being.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation believe that the suggestion Southampton could claim the spying was the work on a lone individual within the club would not be taken seriously.
We revealed last week that the person accused of spying on Middlesbrough is an intern in his early 20s. It is thought he deleted videos and pictures on his mobile phone when confronted by Boro staff, before running into the nearby Rockliffe Hall and changing clothes and fleeing the area.
Saints boss Tonda Eckert refused to answer questions on the accusations following the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, and the club did not hold a pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s return game. If senior individuals within the club admit or are proven to have known about spying, it would raise serious questions over their future.
Hellberg accused Southampton of ‘cheating’ at the weekend and his club want Southampton’s punishment to be ‘sporting’ rather than a mere financial penalty, if found guilty.
The Boro head coach revealed on Monday that his squad practised penalty kicks last week, again highlighting the advantage Southampton could have gained by recording their session.
Hellberg chose to sidestep the majority of Spygate questions, but he did say: ‘I follow the rules. It’s very simple, very, very simple. It’s a question of rules, and we follow the rules. 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 (now).’
