Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be expelled from Championship play-off final in brutal statement

Middlesbrough believe the only appropriate response to the Spygate scandal is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton from participating in the Championship play-off final.

Earlier this week, Southampton were charged with breaching EFL regulations after Middlesbrough complained that a member of Southampton's staff spied on one of the club's training sessions ahead of their semi-final first leg.

As we know, the Saints went on to secure their place in the Championship play-off final against Hull City after a late goal from Shea Charles, but the match was overshadowed by the Spygate scandal.

The EFL would later issue a statement confirming that a disciplinary hearing will be held into the incident on or before May 19.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, had asked to participate in the hearing as they wanted to present their evidence to the EFL’s independent disciplinary hearing in person, but that request was denied.

Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be expelled from Championship play-off final in statement

Now, the club have issued a strongly-worded statement to confirm their intentions.

It read: "Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.

"The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.

"The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition.

"In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.

"We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League."

The statement added: "The club reserves all its legal rights."

Southampton fans in camouflage ghillie suits after their side was accused of spying on a Middlesbrough training session. Image credit: Getty

A report from the Daily Mail recently published a photo that they claim to be the Southampton staff member who stood behind a tree at what is alleged to be Middlesbrough's training ground.

The staff member, who the publication say they have 'positively identified' as William Salt, an intern, was said to have been confronted by Boro staff when he was spotted filming.

He is said to have fled the scene before entering the nearby Rockhill Golf Club, which is owned by Middlesbrough chief Steve Gibson.

It is claimed that other Championship clubs suspect they have been 'spied' on by the Saints, and that transactions made near to their training grounds are being assessed.