Boro will win
doesnt open for me, what new things are listed?
Should open as it’s a free link but this is some of it
It has also emerged that:
- Incriminating WhatsApp messages to Southampton’s analysts from head coach Tonda Eckert were revealed in the hearing, with the German now potentially facing his own serious Football Association charges
- Southampton had initially planned for Salt to go back and spy on Middlesbrough for a second day
- When Southampton spied on Ipswich, the operation involved dressing in Eastleigh kit as a disguise
- Southampton’s players have been left furious and are exploring legal options, including possible class action, if the verdict is upheld
- Hull City are also deeply unhappy, as their preparations have been thrown into disarray, having spent four training sessions focusing on playing Southampton.
Sources at Southampton said the club were blindsided by last night’s decision, which they consider disproportionate and unprecedented. They are continuing to prepare for Saturday’s final as planned and are confident of overturning the decision. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, welcomed what they called “a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct” in a statement on their website.
The Athletic has spoken to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, all of whom asked to remain anonymous to protect their positions, to piece together the inside story of ‘Spygate’, one of football’s most incendiary stories — and one which is not over yet.
Tuesday’s hearing was conducted remotely but featured all the drama of a classic courtroom thriller.
Southampton were represented by Kate Gallafent KC, an experienced lawyer who has worked with the FA on multiple occasions; the EFL was represented by Brendan Kelly KC, a criminal barrister with a formidable reputation in cross-examination.
One of the key revelations at Tuesday’s hearing was the WhatsApp messages sent by Eckert to his analysts that people with knowledge of proceedings said were particularly damaging to Southampton’s case.
Two of the club’s analysts gave evidence at the hearing in which they expressed remorse for their actions but said they were pushed into the spying trips. In his evidence, Eckert — who has spent most of his coaching career in Germany — claimed he was not aware that such behaviour was against the rules in England as it was widespread in European football.
The hearing was told that Eckert had sent people to spy on fellow Championship sides Oxford and Ipswich, but had been displeased with the quality of their findings. In the case of Ipswich, the subterfuge extended to using kit worn by Eastleigh, whose Hampshire training ground was hosting Southampton’s opponents.