- Southampton advanced to the Championship play-off final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time on Tuesday, securing their spot against Hull on 23 May for promotion to the Premier League.
- The semi-final victory has been overshadowed by an ongoing EFL investigation into “Spygate 2.0”, a misconduct charge against Southampton.
- Middlesbrough accused Southampton of observing a training session before their first-leg match, an allegation which Southampton has not yet denied.
- Southampton's manager, Tonda Eckert, walked out of his post-match press conference after being repeatedly questioned about the “spygate” allegations, and being asked directly by a reporter: “Are you a cheat?”
- The EFL is pushing for an early hearing from an independent disciplinary commission, with potential penalties for Southampton, if found guilty, ranging from a fine or points deduction to expulsion from the play-offs.
IN FULL
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert walks out of press conference after ‘Spygate’ questioning
