Photo Shows Southampton Analyst William Salt at Middlesbrough Training 48 Hours Before Play-off
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 13
Photo Shows Southampton Analyst William Salt at Middlesbrough Training 48 Hours Before Play-off
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 13
A photograph obtained by The Athletic shows Southampton analyst William Salt near Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground last Thursday, apparently filming on his phone 48 hours before the Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
Middlesbrough plan to submit the image, golf-club credit-card details and other material to the EFL, seeking the strongest sporting sanction possible, including Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs.
The EFL has asked an independent disciplinary panel to shorten the usual 14-day response period and hold a hearing as soon as possible, while Middlesbrough want proceedings to begin before the weekend.
Southampton said they are fully cooperating but want time for facts and context to be established, and are also running an internal review; Salt had already been given a few days off.
Southampton reached the May 23 final with a 2-1 second-leg win on Tuesday, leaving Hull City awaiting clarity on their opponent as political and club pressure over the allegations intensifies.
After Leeds' 'Spygate' fine, will Southampton face play-off expulsion for a similar breach?
Could a spying complaint overturn a play-off result and send Middlesbrough to the Wembley final?