Charlie Austin launches new Southampton 'Spygate' attack - It's a 'disgrace!' | OneFootball

Charlie Austin has hit out at Southampton over the spying scandal

Charlie Austin has hit out at his former club, Southampton, over the fact that they have been charged by the EFL for spying on a Middlesbrough training session.

The 36-year-old played as a striker for the Saints from 2016 to 2019, scoring 20 goals in 81 appearances before joining West Bromwich Albion.

Austin now appears as a pundit on Sky Sports, while he has his own podcast, and has aimed criticism at the St Mary's Stadium outfit for their spying charge.

The Saints are currently set to face Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley next Saturday, having advanced past Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

However, the South Coast club could be kicked out of the play-offs after a member of their staff was allegedly found to be spying on a Boro training session ahead of the first leg of their semi-final.

EFL rules prohibit clubs from filming or observing an opposition training session up to 72 hours before a fixture, and Southampton have been charged with breaching that.

Charlie Austin fires fresh criticism at Southampton amid spygate

The Disciplinary Commission investigating the spying allegations made against Southampton are set to reach their conclusion by Tuesday, while The Athletic have revealed that Middlesbrough won't be allowed to attend the hearing.

Should the Saints be kicked out of the play-offs, Boro could face Hull at Wembley in place of Tonda Eckert's side, having lost in the semi-finals.

As per the EFL handbook, other punishments for being found guilty of spying include points deductions and transfer embargoes, while The Sun have reported that Eckert or Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors could face a one-year ban from football.

Meanwhile, speaking on the latest episode of Chaz Kicks Off, Austin said: "Let's be very clear. What has happened is a disgrace!"

The former Saints striker was referring to the spying scandal.

Regardless of the outcome of the hearing, the allegations have completely overshadowed the Championship play-offs, one of the most hotly anticipated periods on the English football calendar.

It is sad for all players who have represented Hull, Southampton, and Middlesbrough well this campaign that the main topic of conversation in recent days has related to an off-field scandal.

Southampton, Middlesbrough investigation could be a disadvantage to Hull City

It currently remains uncertain whether Southampton will be allowed to compete in next week's Championship play-off final, thanks to the spying allegations.

Meanwhile, Hull advanced to Wembley fair and square by defeating Millwall 2-0 at The Den in the second leg in a fixture that was not surrounded by off-field controversy.

The Tigers also deserve great credit for the fact that they held the Lions to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the MKM Stadium, as Alex Neil's side won more away points in the Championship this term than title-winners Coventry City.

However, Sergej Jakirovic's men have been left in a position where they don't yet know who they are facing in the play-off final through no fault of their own.

Furthermore, it remains a possibility that the Wembley showpiece could be moved to a different date, pending the outcome of the Disciplinary Commission's findings.