Southampton star accused of ‘making discriminatory comments’ at Middlesbrough star as managers separated in confrontation

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been accused of ‘making discriminatory comments’ against Middlesbrough’s Luke Ayling

The alleged incident is alleged to have happened in the first half of Saints’ 2-1 victory over Boro in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final clash.

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The build-up to the tie was overshadowed by a Spygate scandal after Saints were charged for allegedly having someone watch Middlesbrough‘s training in the build-up to last week’s first leg.

And tensions boiled over with Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg and Saints manager Tonda Eckert needing to be separated by the referee and fourth official on the touchline.

The confrontation happened with Boro leading 1-0 on the night and in the tie thanks to Riley McGree’s early goal.

Ayling was adjudged to have committed a foul, and it boiled over in the technical area once the referee came over to inform the managers that Ayling had complained about Saints captain Harwood-Bellis using ‘discriminatory language’ towards him.

That prompted Andy Madley to go over to the sidelines to speak with both managers before having to keep the two apart as they continued to have crossed words despite the situation being calmed down.

McGree’s goal was then cancelled out by Ross Stewart just before half time, but it was Southampton who had the last laugh.

Shea Charles delivered a cross from the right that evaded everyone and nestled into the bottom corner in extra time to seal Saints’ place in the play-off final.

They will face Hull City for the right to be in the Premier League next season on Saturday May 23.

Carnage

The EFL have officially charged the Saints with a breach of regulations amid allegations a member of staff spied on Boro ahead of the first leg at the Riverside.

In a statement, the EFL said: “Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission,” the EFL statement read.

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“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.”

Despite Southampton’s win, there are suggestions they could be stopped from playing in the final if found guilty of spying on Boro.

Eckert walked out of his post-match press conference after the first leg when asked about the allegations levelled at him and the club.

He was adamant that he had answered the question, with the press officer having to step in before the German stormed off.

In response, Hellberg accused the Saints of cheating.

Fiery

It is a totally crazy situation that Simon Jordan fears could get worse now that Southampton have won.

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Speaking on White and Jordan prior to the second leg, he said: “In my mind, I think they’re guilty of a person either being directly instructed by someone in the Southampton organisation or someone that has operated in a way that has benefitted Southampton in one way or another.

“I don’t think the chairman or chief executive are involved, but I certainly think the football operation is. That’s my view.

“That then means that there has to be some degree of relationship between the two clubs to either find a solution or you’re going to have a nuclear explosion.

“Based on Southampton’s statement, I think you’re probably going to have a nuclear explosion from Middlesbrough.”

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Not an isolated incident

Incredibly, this might not be the first time Southampton have done this, with several EFL clubs now watching CCTV footage to determine if they are also victims.

talkSPORT understands the Saints aren’t going to contest the EFL charge that a member of staff filmed a Middlesbrough training session.

Within this tie, both sets of fans have been spotted with binoculars, and both sets of teams were booed on their arrivals to the respective stadiums.