What James Corden thinks Southampton should do for Middlesbrough in Spygate saga | OneFootball

James Corden has called for Southampton to be hit with a massive financial penalty for 'cheating' Middlesbrough amid accusations of spying.

Southampton overcame Middlesbrough in extra-time on Tuesday night to book their place at Wembley against Hull City in the play-off final.

However, this is a fixture that has been dominated by off-field events, with Boro alleging that they had caught a Saints employee watching Kim Hellberg’s side train ahead of the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

That prompted the EFL to charge Southampton with misconduct, and an independent disciplinary commission is now set to decide their fate, with reports claiming that there is still a possibility Saints could be kicked out of the play-offs.

James Corden calls for severe Southampton financial penalty

Given how rare this incident is, it’s fair to say it has got the football world talking, with many calling for Southampton to be hit with a strong punishment.

Whilst Boro want sporting sanctions applied, it remains to be seen whether that is possible.

Yet, there is still a chance they could be fined, and, speaking on TalkSPORT, actor James Corden revealed that he would make it a hefty penalty for Southampton, as he insisted that the south coast side should be called out for their ‘cheating’.

“If Southampton go up, they will make, let's say it’s £150m. Then, you have to give 50% of next year’s revenue, whichever league you’re in, to Middlesbrough, because your cheating, and it is cheating, next year, regardless of whatever league you’re in, 50% of your revenue, or your projected revenue, so it has to be paid at the start of the season, has to be paid to Boro as compensation, so if they go up it’s £75m.

“I think we should stop calling it Spygate, and we should just call it cheating. It’s just cheating, you’re just cheating the system, that’s all you’re doing. You’re cheating those fans, you’re cheating those players, so therefore you should have to pay a severe and heavy price.”

Southampton vs Middlesbrough has been overshadowed by Spygate accusations

This is something that has dominated the headlines since it came out around 24 hours before the first leg, which is sad in a sense.

Boro were outstanding in the first 45 minutes at the Riverside Stadium, and they will regret not taking several chances that came their way during that brilliant spell.

After that, Saints settled in the first leg, and they were the better side on the night at St. Mary’s after a slow start, with Ross Stewart cancelling out Riley McGree’s opener, before Shea Charles struck the winner in extra-time.

So, it was a good tie between two good teams, but most of the noise has been surrounding Spygate, and it will continue to be the case until the situation is resolved.

Everyone has different opinions on what a suitable punishment would be, and some would agree with Corden that a substantial fine is the way to go. Others will feel they should be kicked out of the play-offs, and some will feel this has all been exaggerated.

Ultimately, it’s now a case of waiting and seeing what happens, as this is a massive issue for the EFL, and it won't just be Middlesbrough and Southampton who look on with interest at the verdict.