LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A historic decision in England: Southampton has been excluded from the Championship play-offs for espionage. The club had been reported by the EFL (England Football League) for spying on the training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the season, as well as filming Middlesbrough preparing for the first leg of the play-off semi-final on May 7. The Saints acknowledged these allegations, also penalizing them with a four-point deduction to be served next season. Middlesbrough, defeated by Southampton in the semi-final, has thus been reinstated and will now play Hull City for a Premier League spot: the final will be played on Saturday at Wembley.
“We believe this sends a clear message for the future of our sport regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” Boro stated in a statement, which sparked the scandal. Two days before the match between the two teams, a man was caught filming Middlesbrough’s training session at Rockliffe Park before fleeing. But he didn’t hurry enough: a Boro photographer had managed to take some pictures, which led to him being identified as one of the Saints’ analysts. This led to a complaint to the League and the disciplinary proceedings. Rules prohibit clubs from observing rivals’ training sessions in the 72 hours before a match.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
