Southampton drop huge Spygate statement hours before Middlesbrough play-off clash | OneFootball

Southampton will face Middlesbrough in the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Tuesday night

Southampton will face Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening for a place in the play-off final.

The Saints will meet Hull City in the final if they can progress after the East Yorkshire outfit earned a 2-0 win against Millwall on Monday night.

Tonda Eckert’s side will have home advantage in this second leg clash, with the score 0-0 from the meeting at the Riverside.

However, the Hampshire outfit’s lead-up to the play-offs has been shrouded in controversy following the charge of spying against the club.

Middlesbrough accused their Championship rival of filming a pre-match training session ahead of their first leg clash last week, and the saga has made headlines throughout the country while threatening to potentially jeapordise Southampton's promotion bid.

Leeds United were previously fined £200,000 by the EFL in 2019 for spying on a pre-match training session by Derby County, which led to the introduction of anti-spying rules.

Southampton release statement in response to spying claim

Southampton have claimed that they are cooperating fully with the EFL as part of their investigation into the accusation of spying from Middlesbrough.

CEO Phil Parsons has also revealed that the Hampshire outfit are reviewing the incident internally, with the club confirming that they have requested time to complete that process thoroughly due to the short turnaround between the first and second legs.

“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,” wrote Parsons, via the club’s official website.

“Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.

“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.”

Parsons has also claimed that Southampton are committed to building long-term success the right way amid these accusations, with the club at risk of a sporting penalty as part of the EFL’s investigation into the accusation of spying.

“This season has represented another important step forward for the football club,” he continued.

“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.

“[Owner] 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.”

Southampton went unbeaten over 19 games in the second half of the campaign, which proved crucial in their rise back up to promotion contention.

Eckert has earned a lot of praise for turning things around at St. Mary’s after a difficult start to life back in the Championship under Will Still.

The 33-year-old was brought in initially on an interim basis in November, but he earned the head coach role on a permanent basis following strong results.

However, the club’s promotion bid is now at risk due to the potential sporting penalties on offer to the EFL for a guilty spying charge.

It has been reported that Middlesbrough are pushing for a sporting sanction, as opposed to a potential fine or an off-field equivalent, amid their play-off second leg on Tuesday evening.

Given the short turnaround between the accusation of spying and the conclusion of the semi-finals, it remains to be seen what punishment Southampton could receive, and what impact it could have on their promotion push.

Spygate saga has been a major distraction for Southampton squad

Southampton were fortunate to come away from the first leg with a 0-0 draw, and it’s easy to imagine this entire saga having a big impact on the squad’s preparation for such a big game.

Home advantage will be quite important in the second leg, and the team have to tackle the Middlesbrough clash like everything is normal, but that will be difficult.

Southampton will be hoping this incident won’t damage their public image, but it’s possible that that damage has already been done, and it will certainly increase the tension in this meeting with Boro at St. Mary’s.

It would be remarkable if they were expelled from the play-offs, or faced a similar sanction, but it’s clear that Middlesbrough are aggrieved by this whole incident, and their pressure on the EFL for such a move could prove important.