Southampton playoff victory makes hot mess of spying allegations

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Hours before last night’s playoff semi-final victory against Middlesbrough, Southampton FC said they would undertake an internal review into allegations that one of their analysts covertly watched a training session of their opponents. Southampton asked for the “full context” to be understood before anyone drew conclusions. They have neither accepted nor denied the allegations, which have led to a misconduct charge. If proved in a disciplinary hearing, they could lead to Southampton’s expulsion from the playoffs and the reinstatement of Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 last night. Rule 127 of the English Football League handbook forbids clubs from watching opponents in training ahead of a game. Leeds United were fined £200,000 for a similar infraction seven years ago, but this was before the rule was in place.