Alan Browne back in Middlesbrough training after play-off turmoil before Wembley final | OneFootball

Alan Browne returned to Middlesbrough training today after a dramatic 24 hours in the Championship, with Boro reinstated and currently set to face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.

An independent commission expelled Southampton from the play-offs after the club admitted spying on three opponents this season, including Middlesbrough earlier this month. That ruling denies a shot at Premier League promotion, valued at least £200million, unless an appeal on Wednesday overturns the sanction.

The case began when Middlesbrough reported to the EFL that a Southampton staff member had watched their training on 7 May, two days before the semi-final first leg at the Riverside, in breach of league rules. Charges followed the next day. On Tuesday it emerged that further charges were laid on Sunday, 17 May, with Southampton admitting they had also observed sessions held by Oxford in December and by Ipswich in April.

Southampton have also been docked four points for next season. The final is currently set for 3.30pm on Saturday, though the date and line-up remain subject to change pending the appeal. Middlesbrough welcomed the decision and have turned their focus to Hull at Wembley.

Midfielder Browne, 31, has made 43 appearances for Boro this season, scoring four goals during a season-long loan from Sunderland. “Yeah, of course [I’m disappointed], I think a lot of people probably are from last year,” he told BBC Radio Tees.

Source: Sunderland Echo