Southampton charged with misconduct by EFL in Middlesbrough ‘spying’ row

Southampton have been charged with misconduct by the English Football League following an alleged spying incident involving Middlesbrough's training session ahead of their Championship playoff semi-final first leg at the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough claim they caught a man connected to Southampton manager Tonda Eckert's backroom staff secretly observing their preparations before the first leg match on Saturday. The EFL will convene an independent disciplinary commission at the earliest opportunity to hear the case, with Middlesbrough pushing for severe punishment against their playoff opponents.