Spygate (part 2)

[Michael Morris]

Middlesbrough have made a formal complaint to the EFL alleging that a man they believe to be a Southampton member of staff was spying on their training session today ahead of the Championship play-offs, Sky Sports News understands.

Isn't this what Bielsa did at Leeds.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Middlesbrough have made a formal complaint to the EFL alleging that a man they believe to be a Southampton member of staff was spying on their training session today ahead of the Championship play-offs, Sky Sports News understands.

Isn't this what Bielsa did at Leeds.

All part of the game, I'm sure, sending staff to watch, disgruntled players and coaches, trying to find out the tactics and team selections.

[Trigger]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Just send a drone over. Get pretty good zoom these days, may even avoid being obvious

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Just send a drone over. Get pretty good zoom these days, may even avoid being obvious

Another thread spoilt by drones.

[Mr Soul '68]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

I hate cheats. Kick Southampton out of the play-offs. Would send a very strong message to any other clubs thinking of using the same underhand methods to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.

[Michael Morris]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. 

This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg. 

  The charges relate to the following Regulations: 

EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires Clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and 
EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any Club from observing, or attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs. 

Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity. 

The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing. 

[Trigger]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Reconstruction of the events

https://x.com/i/status/2054534060102353063

[jon1959]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Reconstruction of the events

https://x.com/i/status/2054534060102353063

Fantastic stuff. That could have been scripted by John le Carre! If only there was a Deep Throat too.

[splott parker]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Can they still be referred to as Saints?

[jon1959]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Can they still be referred to as Saints?

Sinners.

[tforturton]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

So what happens, now that Southampton won the semi? Could they still be booted out? What if they appealed? If the EFL doesn’t get a move on, it’ll be too late. It’s possible that they could win the play-off final, get promoted, and then what?

[delmbox]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Players get away with blatant cheating every game when they dive and don't get punished for it, I'd rather they stamped that out than a bit of spying. Bring in a citing system!

[Trigger]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

So what happens, now that Southampton won the semi? Could they still be booted out? What if they appealed? If the EFL doesn’t get a move on, it’ll be too late. It’s possible that they could win the play-off final, get promoted, and then what?

Fine I'd have thought.

[Trigger]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Players get away with blatant cheating every game when they dive and don't get punished for it, I'd rather they stamped that out than a bit of spying. Bring in a citing system!

Yes, this sort of thing is probably more common than realised and it's marginal gains that are hard to quantity. A player dives, wins a match and nothing happens.

[JamesWales]

Re: Spygate (part 2)

Yes, this sort of thing is probably more common than realised and it's marginal gains that are hard to quantity. A player dives, wins a match and nothing happens.

Absolutely. I'm not entirely sure I have a big issue with what Southampton did anyway? I assumed all clubs would try that and it's up to the clubs training staff to ensure some of it is in private etc.