EFL asks Southampton for observations amid Marcelo Bielsa spygate echo | OneFootball

The EFL has asked Southampton for observations after a Middlesbrough complaint of alleged unauthorised filming before Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg at the Riverside. This has revived memories of Leeds United’s 2019 spygate.

The League said the alleged incident occurred on Middlesbrough’s private property and involved an individual linked to Southampton, and that it is being treated as potential misconduct under EFL regulations. It added that no further comment will be made at present.

Leeds were fined £200,000 in 2019 after a staff member was seen watching Derby County training from a public footpath. Marcelo Bielsa faced widespread criticism, then held a 70-minute briefing detailing his analysis. Luke Ayling, a promotion hero under Bielsa, now plays for Middlesbrough.

Rules introduced after that case state clubs must not directly or indirectly observe opponents’ training within 72 hours of a match. At the time, Bielsa said he covered the £200,000 fine personally.

Southampton visit the Riverside on Saturday lunchtime, with the return at St Mary’s on Tuesday. Millwall and Hull City contest the other semi-final, with all four clubs aiming to join Leeds in the Premier League.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk