Middlesbrough ‘catch’ Southampton analyst spying before play-off semi-final | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have allegedly caught a Southampton analyst recording their training session from a bush ahead of the play-off semi-final, according to the Daily Mail.

The Northern Echo has since backed the report. The Southern Daily Echo said the EFL are aware and are establishing the facts, and that neither club had commented.

The individual was approached by Middlesbrough staff on Thursday morning, and it is claimed he deleted videos and photos. The report added the person was identified via public profile pages as a current Southampton employee.

Following Leeds United’s 2019 ‘spygate’ case with Derby County, a rule was introduced banning clubs from observing opposition training within 72 hours of a match unless invited.

Leeds were fined £200,000 in that case. If this allegation is upheld under the newer rules, Southampton could face more severe punishment.

The episode adds extra glare to an already high-stakes tie.

Source: Sainstmarching.com