One of Lincoln City’s potential Championship rivals could face severe punishment after the latest twist in the ongoing Southampton ‘SpyGate’ scandal saw reports emerge that manager Tonda Eckert could be handed a touchline ban.
The Saints booked their place in the Championship play-off final earlier this week after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time at St Mary’s, progressing following Shea Charles’ decisive goal. However, the fallout from allegations of spying ahead of the semi-final first leg continues to escalate.
Southampton have already been charged by the EFL following claims that a member of their analysis staff was caught watching Middlesbrough training sessions at Rockliffe Park before the opening fixture at the Riverside Stadium. Now, according to fresh reports, both Eckert and technical director Johannes Spors could potentially face bans if they are found to have authorised the operation.
The individual allegedly involved has been named as intern William Salt, who was reportedly photographed hiding behind a tree while filming Boro’s preparations on a mobile phone before being confronted.
The situation appears to be growing increasingly serious for the south coast club. Reports claim Middlesbrough believe there may have been additional incidents involving other Championship clubs, with investigators allegedly examining transaction records linked to Salt’s bank card usage near club facilities.
That has led to suggestions that the scandal extends beyond a single isolated incident, something which could significantly increase the severity of any punishment handed down by the EFL.
Middlesbrough pushing for swift resolution
Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson is understood to have instructed leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco to assist with the club’s case, while Boro are reportedly pushing for the disciplinary hearing to begin before the weekend.
The Teessiders are believed to want Southampton removed from the play-offs altogether if wrongdoing is proven. One possible scenario reportedly being discussed would see Boro awarded a 3-0 first-leg victory, overturning the aggregate scoreline and sending them to Wembley instead.
At present, there is no indication that such a punishment is imminent, and Southampton remain scheduled to face Hull City in the play-off final later this month.
However, the uncertainty has already caused embarrassment for the club after Southampton were forced to remove ticket information for the Wembley final from official channels amid confusion surrounding the ongoing investigation.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg spoke emotionally after his side’s elimination, insisting the allegations had damaged the integrity of the tie.
“When that is taken away from you in that way, when someone decides: ‘No, we’re not going to watch every game. We’ll send someone instead and film the session and see everything and hope we don’t get caught’.
“It breaks my heart in terms of all those things I believe in.”
The EFL has yet to confirm a date for the independent disciplinary hearing, but with Lincoln City preparing for life in the Championship next season, the saga surrounding one of their possible divisional rivals is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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