Middlesbrough lawyer speaks out after Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs

The renowned sports law barrister who represented Middlesbrough in their 'spygate' case against Southampton has spoken out after the EFL expelled the Saints from the Championship play-offs.

Southampton were removed from the Championship play-offs and given a four-point deduction on Tuesday after admitting to spying on three clubs during the 2025/26 season.

Boro had complained to the EFL after spotting that a Southampton staff member was filming a session at their training ground ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg between the two sides.

Southampton went on to win 2-1 on aggregate and were due to face Hull City in the final at Wembley on Saturday.

However, the decision by an independent disciplinary commission meant that they were initially replaced in the final by Middlesbrough.

The Saints immediately appealed that verdict to the EFL, who decided on Wednesday to uphold all of the initial sanctions against the club.

READ MORE: Southampton lose appeal over spygate sanction as statement issued

'Fascinating...' - Middlesbrough lawyer responds to Southampton verdict

It was reported that, following their initial complaint, Boro owner Steve Gibson had enlisted leading sports law barrister Nick De Marco to lead the club's case against Southampton.

De Marco, who specialises in all areas of commercial and employment law, has worked on a number of high-profile cases over recent years and represented players and clubs at the highest levels of sport.

Following the initial verdict, he posted to Twitter on Tuesday to state that he was 'delighted' for Boro on the result, adding: "Good luck to MFC now for the final!"

And after the announcement that Southampton had lost their appeal, he wrote: "It's been a fascinating case. Well done to all involved.

"We shall all look forward to reading the written reasons. For now, good luck Boro for the final!"

It’s been a fascinating case. Well done to all involved. We shall all look forward to reading the written reasons. For now, good luck Boro for the final! https://t.co/sqeQyIs3B1

— Nick De Marco KC (@nickdemarco_) May 20, 2026

No player from Middlesbrough or Southampton has yet publicly responded to the verdict, with Boro now set to travel to Wembley as they attempt to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018.

Southampton, though, did release a lengthy statement in which they criticised the severity of the sanctions imposed on them by the EFL.

"Whilst we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours," the statement read.

"Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt.

"That works begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibility.

"While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right."

Hull chairman Acun Ilicali has stated that he is considering the possibility of legal action over the 'spygate' scandal, given that his side under manager Sergej Jakirovic have been preparing to face Southampton since the conclusion of the semi-finals.

READ MORE: Hull City's response to finding out Southampton have been thrown out of Championship play-offs

Saints boss Tonda Eckert, meanwhile, is facing the threat of a possible FA sanction, with talkSPORT reporting that he could be sacked by the club.