Wednesday’s briefing: Southampton reach play-off final under ‘spygate’ cloud | OneFootball

Shea Charles fired Southampton into the Sky Bet Championship final as they edged past Middlesbrough against the background of the ‘spygate’ controversy.

Meanwhile, referees’ chief Howard Webb came to the defence of the officials who ruled out a late West Ham equaliser against Premier League champions-elect Arsenal.

However, it proved a devastating day for Gunners defender Ben White as he was ruled out for the season’s climax.

‘Spygate’ row rumbles on after dramatic Saints victory

Shea Charles struck a fortuitous extra-time winner to ensure the ‘spygate’ scandal will rumble on as Southampton booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough.

Charles found the net with an attempted cross in the 116th minute to set up a Wembley showdown with Hull on May 23 after Ross Stewart had cancelled out Riley McGree’s opener.

The Saints began a pivotal day in the season by asking for time to conduct an internal review after being charged with breaching EFL regulations following an accusation of unauthorised filming at the Boro training ground ahead of the semi-final first leg. The Boro team coach was pelted with projectiles as it arrived at St Mary’s Stadium.

On a tetchy evening, rival managers Kim Hellberg and Tonda Eckert had to be separated on the touchline in the first half following an apparent on-field complaint made by Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling.

Hellberg described the spying controversy as “disgraceful” while Southampton boss Eckert said: “We’re taking the matter very seriously. I will say something. I just can’t say it now.”

Howard Webb backs West Ham VAR decision

Referees’ chief Howard Webb has backed the decision to disallow what would have been a crucial West Ham equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday as “categorically” correct.

Callum Wilson struck in injury time and the goal was given on field by referee Chris Kavanagh, but VAR Darren England recommended Kavanagh review it after spotting a foul by Pablo Felipe on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya during the build-up.

Speaking on Tuesday night’s Match Officials Mic’d Up programme on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, Webb, chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), said: “Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes.

“On the video, it’s clear and it’s obvious and it happens early. And, even though it’s not clear and obvious to the referee because he’s got a huge group of players in a penalty area and it’s difficult to see, when the VAR sees this, of course, they have to get involved.”

Season over for Ben White

Ben White has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury in a significant setback to Arsenal’s bid for a Premier League and Champions League double.

The 28-year-old England defender left the London Stadium with a brace on his right knee after he was substituted in the first half of Sunday’s crucial 1-0 win against West Ham, and the Gunners have confirmed he will be unavailable for their final two league games and their Champions League final against Paris St Germain with his World Cup hopes also in the balance.

A club statement said: “Further to Sunday’s match at West Ham, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that Ben White has sustained a significant medial knee ligament injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of this season.

“Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations.”

What’s on today?

Reigning champions Manchester City play their game in hand on leaders Arsenal when they host Crystal Palace with victory the only option as they attempt to close a five-point gap.

North of the border, the Scottish Premiership title could be decided in the penultimate round of fixtures with Hearts, who will kick off a point ahead of second-placed Celtic, hosting Falkirk and the Bhoys travelling to Motherwell.

In England’s League One, Stockport and Stevenage resume their play-off semi-final at Edgeley Park with the hosts defending a 1-0 first leg lead.