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#Post#: 105458--------------------------------------------------
Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 7, 2026, 4:45 pm
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The EFL have released a statement following a complaint from
Middlesbrough FC about alleged unauthorised filming on Thursday
morning prior to their first leg play off match at the Riverside
on Saturday lunchtime.
I do have one question with respect to this. What sort of
punishment could Southampton face if they are found guilty of
this potential breach of misconduct under the EFL regulations?
Would it be a slap on the wrist and a heavy fine? I don’t see
how it could be anything else.
One things for certain, it will give an extra edge to the two
games between the sides during the play offs.
#Post#: 105459--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: rustyref
Date: May 7, 2026, 5:09 pm
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I'd still have the question of how they got access to do the
unauthorised filming. If from ground level make your training
ground more secure, if via drone there's not really a lot anyone
can do about it.
Having been a regular visitor to the Arsenal training ground,
where they even look in your car boot to make sure you aren't
smuggling anyone in, there are steps that can be taken. But
short of building giant walls there isn't a lot clubs can do.
#Post#: 105487--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 8, 2026, 5:54 pm
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Southampton have officially been charged for breaching EFL
regulations. The statement is as follows.
“Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a
breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred
to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. 
This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations
after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged
unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs
meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final
First Leg. 
 The charges relate to the following Regulations: 
EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires Clubs to act towards
each other with the utmost good faith; and 
EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any Club from observing, or
attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72
hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs. 
Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days
to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the
matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission
to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the
earliest opportunity.”
What this means for Southampton remains to be seen. I do wonder
what level of punishment will be coming their way.
#Post#: 105637--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: mac
Date: May 10, 2026, 4:13 pm
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Given an administration error in the FA cup can see a team
expelled for an ineligible player, should this deliberate
cheating (if proven) be a lesser punishment?
The lone wolf defence I’ve read they may try to use will hold no
weight. If it’s a fine and they go up, it’s money well spent. As
Michael Winner once said, “did you know you can drive in a bus
lane for only £80!” So anything else must be sufficient
deterrent.
Southampton were keen to push for maximum penalty for Boro in
96/97 and Boro were deducted 3 points for failure to fulfil. I’m
sure Steve Gibson hasn’t forgotten.
The ‘don’t punish the fans’ argument doesn’t wash either.
#Post#: 105822--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 12, 2026, 4:55 pm
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Well, tonight has made this situation even more interesting. A
lot of pressure is on the EFL here to administer the right
punishment (if found guilty) because in my opinion,
- Play off expulsion is now out of the question
Why? I believe the EFL
- Won’t promote Hull without playing a final
- Won’t reinstate Middlesbrough into the final having been
knocked out this evening
The only punishment I now see is a heavy fine, at worst a points
deduction next season.
#Post#: 105827--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: olliebcafc
Date: May 12, 2026, 5:17 pm
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I agree it seems impractical for Southampton to not take part in
the final, but I do think there should be a significant
punishment. Maybe only Hull fans at Wembley with half the
stadium empty, or all coaching staff banned from the touchline
with only medics allowed?
For next season, possibly a transfer embargo or if they lose a
restriction against promotion next season? I’m struggling but
with how little there was between the two teams there’s a case
that this is what got Southampton over the line. Heavy
punishment needed if you ask me
#Post#: 105835--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: rustyref
Date: May 13, 2026, 1:20 am
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--- Quote from: olliebcafc link ---
>
> I agree it seems impractical for Southampton to not take part
in the final, but I do think there should be a significant
punishment. Maybe only Hull fans at Wembley with half the
stadium empty, or all coaching staff banned from the touchline
with only medics allowed?
>
> For next season, possibly a transfer embargo or if they lose a
restriction against promotion next season? I’m struggling but
with how little there was between the two teams there’s a case
that this is what got Southampton over the line. Heavy
punishment needed if you ask me
>
--- End Quote ---
Banning fans would just be penalising a totally innocent party.
I'm pretty sure it will just be a very heavy fine, expulsion or
points deductions for this feels unachievable, especially as
Southampton will no doubt claim it was a lone wolf and not
sanctioned by them.
And if they have any sense all pro clubs will be putting
restrictions in place around how accessible their training
grounds are.
#Post#: 105850--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: mac
Date: May 13, 2026, 11:35 am
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It gets worse…this chap is visible on March manager of the month
team photo, so lone wolf is out the window. Incidentally he was
missing from April’s photo because he was up north.
The problem with all of the above is those punishments benefit
other teams and a fine will be money well spent.
Like I say, an honest mistake from a well meaning volunteer will
get a team kicked out of the FA cup. Swindon were removed from
EFL trophy because someone forgot to double check an iPad. In
both of these the offended club is usually reinstated.
#Post#: 105851--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: Leggy
Date: May 13, 2026, 11:36 am
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Southampton should be removed from the play-offs and the two
losing sides (Middlesborough & Millwall) play a one-off match to
see who plays Hull in the final. Play-off to take place on
Sunday / Monday with the final at Wembley on Saturday as
originally scheduled.
#Post#: 105854--------------------------------------------------
Re: Spygate 2.0 (Southampton)
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: May 13, 2026, 12:16 pm
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--- Quote from: Leggy link ---
>
> Southampton should be removed from the play-offs and the two
losing sides (Middlesborough & Millwall) play a one-off match to
see who plays Hull in the final. Play-off to take place on
Sunday / Monday with the final at Wembley on Saturday as
originally scheduled.
>
--- End Quote ---
I understand the rationale behind the idea but how could you
give Millwall the opportunity to get to the play off final when
they have been beaten fair and square over a two-legged tie and
reward them over an incident that hasn’t affected them in any
way possible.
I’m all for throwing suggestions out there but if it is a
sporting sanction then the only thing I see possible is to kick
them out but I really don’t know.
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