What Taylor Harwood-Bellis did when Southampton scored winner v Boro will stir the pot | OneFootball

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis mocked the Saints' spying charge when they scored the winner against Middlesbrough

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis found himself at the heart of controversy in the Saints' 2-1 Championship play-off semi-final second leg victory over Middlesbrough.

The build-up to the game and post-match conversations have been dominated by the fact that Tonda Eckert's side have been charged by the EFL for spying on a Boro training session before the first leg.

Amid a tense backdrop, the North East outfit played out a 0-0 draw with the South Coast club in Saturday's first leg, albeit both sides hit the woodwork.

Tuesday's clash was more eventful, though, as goals from Southampton players Ross Stewart and Shea Charles sent the Saints to Wembley after Riley McGree opened the scoring for Middlesbrough.

However, there is a possibility that Eckert's side could be kicked out of the play-offs if they are found guilty of spying, while other punishments, as per the EFL handbook, include points deductions and a transfer embargo.

Currently, the Saints are set to face Hull City in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, 23 May, after the Tigers got the better of Millwall.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis spotted mocking 'spygate' following Southampton vs Middlesbrough controversy

Should Southampton be allowed to compete in the play-off final against Hull at Wembley, they will fancy their chances of beating Sergej Jakirovic's men.

The Saints have enjoyed a 21-game unbeaten run in the Championship, including their play-off clashes with Middlesbrough.

However, their last defeat in the second tier did come against Hull on 17 January, when Kyle Joseph and Charlie Hughes both scored for the Tigers at St Mary's Stadium.

Meanwhile, during Southampton's victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis was alleged to have made a discriminatory comment towards Boro's Luke Ayling, and the incident was being reviewed by the FA, as reported by BBC Sport.

However, as reported by the Southern Daily Echo, the FA have subsequently closed the case.

The centre-back has been a key player for Eckert's side this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions in which he has scored seven goals and registered two assists.

Harwood-Bellis was also spotted putting his hands over his face in the shape of binoculars, mocking the spying allegations against Southampton, while celebrating Charles' extra-time winner.

A photograph of the defender's celebration, which is sure to inflame the ill feeling between the Saints and Boro, was shared by the Southern Daily Echo's Alfie House on X.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has enjoyed a stellar campaign

Harwood-Bellis has been one of the best defenders in the Championship this season, contributing to the fact that Southampton have the best goal difference of any side to have qualified for the play-offs.

The 24-year-old, who won the second-tier title with Burnley in 2023, is also a class act in possession, which is no surprise for a Manchester City academy graduate.

Furthermore, notching nine goal contributions as a defender is a particularly impressive accomplishment, and he could yet score his most notable goal of the season at Wembley.

Southampton's spying scandal has put a dampener on an otherwise stellar season, but regardless of the outcome of the Disciplinary Commission's investigation, Harwood-Bellis can be proud of his displays this term.