Southampton Face Efl Probe For Spying On Middlesbrough

The English Football League (EFL) has launched an investigation into an alleged lawsuit of spying by Southampton connected Middlesbrough earlier they meet successful nan Championship play-offs.

The first limb of their semi-final takes spot astatine nan Riverside Stadium connected Saturday, pinch nan return astatine St Mary's connected Tuesday.

BBC Sport has learned Saints' capacity expert was allegedly caught signaling Boro training and taking pictures of strategies precocious connected Thursday morning.

The unit personnel was caught, told to delete nan footage and time off nan area, but nan Teesside nine were furious and later contacted nan EFL.

An EFL connection released connected Thursday evening read: "The EFL has written to Southampton FC requesting their observations pursuing a title from Middlesbrough FC relating to alleged unauthorised filming up of nan 2 clubs gathering successful Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

"The alleged incident is said to person taken spot connected Middlesbrough's backstage spot by an individual identified to beryllium associated pinch Southampton.