EFL launch probe after 'furious' Middlesbrough accuse Southampton of spying before play-off clash

Southampton are set to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final on Saturday.

Both sides know that a victory will move them a step closer to the Premier League, the Saints looking to make an immediate return to the division while Boro are aiming to end their nine season stay in the Championship.

To ensure victory and earn a place in the English top flight some sides may try to go to extremes and, according to the Daily Mail, Middlesbrough have accused Southampton of being unsporting.

They claim that an individual associated with the Saints filmed on Boro's private property without permission in preparation for their clash.

It was first reported in the Mail that 'furious' Boro staff spotted someone hiding in the bushes at their Rockliffe Park training centre.

This has now prompted the English Football League to take action and launch an investigation into the accusation, less than two days away from the clash between Middlesbrough and Southampton at the Riverside.

Adam Armstrong of Southampton shoots at goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Southampton at Riverside Stadium (Getty Images)

The EFL have since released a statement confirming that they have received a formal complaint from Boro.

The statement reads: “The EFL has written to Southampton FC requesting their observations following a complaint from Middlesbrough FC relating to alleged unauthorised filming ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

"The alleged incident is said to have taken place on Middlesbrough's private property by an individual identified to be associated with Southampton.

"The League is treating this matter as potential misconduct under EFL regulations and will be making no further comment at this time."

EFL rules state "no club shall directly orindirectly observe (or attempt to observe) another club's training session in the period of 72 hours prior to any match."

SPORTbible have contacted Southampton Football Club for comment.

If the EFL find the Saints guilty of breaking this rule, they could face a similar punishment as to Leeds United seven years ago as they were fined £200,000 for watching opponents train before matches.

A member of Leeds' staff was found acting suspiciously outside Derby's training ground before a fixture between the two sides on 10 January, 2019.

In a memorable press conference Marcelo Bielsa revealed he had sent a member of staff to watch training sessions of every team Leeds had played that season, giving a detailed analysis of the scouting his team had conducted.