AlexLaw76

Surely we are approaching the line in the sand where national teams can take their players???

That is my worry.

Im sure we (and other clubs) have been doing this within the rules, ie - outside the 72 hours. that amis an aggravating factor to a point in that it was not a one off and we have a proven system in doing this… just this time (at least) we broke the rules

Are one of Hulls rugby teams playing a big game away soon? Pretty sure some of the footy fans will be invested in both sports, so completely unfair. Not as if it is down the road to Wembley for them

Same where I am, mates of fans of lots of other club think it is hilarious, especially given it was touted the lad was hiding and using sophisticated recording and listening equipment.

Absolutely people will complain, and rightly fucking so. Leicester got 6 points for systematically gaining a sporting advantage over a huge period of time (remember when the smashed us 5-0). Not only did they knowingly gain said advantage over at least 46 games, they did everything they could to prevent any investigation into it. We cheated, I accept that. But to what extent?

I guess it is a situation where we try and mitigate our way to the final on Saturday. Boro's best/only chance of us not being there is to get proof to the EFL that we have been at this for weeks/months, and it it include involvement from those with greater influence at at the club. We have already put the line out that this was the act of someone working alone. To reach a decision that means we do not play against Hull, surely the 'panel' have to be very certain we gained enough sporting advantage that we cheated Boro entirely out of the fixture (or Wrexham and Derby for example). That is a huge leap to make and would require pretty concrete proof that means any appeal by Saints would be largely a waste of time, as I am sure we would appeal the shit out of it. Now, a large fine and a few points (even suspended) would likely result in, Saints at least, "begrudgingly" accepting it as a means of 'closure', whilst then feeding the local press their story. However, Boro "Gibbo" will keep going on until they get something else (which is what Simon Jordan suggested he should do) I believe time is our friend here as reaching a conclusion in (ironically) about 72 hours that has enormous ramifications is surely impossible, noting we will appeal the shit out of it if we are somehow removed from they final. Also, as for points, how can they conclude -6 is sufficient when Leicester (we know the story) got that. The real wiggle room available (IMO) is the fine. I think this will be significant when comparing to Leeds' £200k. This will be north of £1m, but then Boro Gibbo will cry foul.

It is isn’t it. Absolutely everywhere, they have genuinely weaponised it completely

I can only imagine because the stakes are so high and it generates an environment of impartiality, reducing their position to an extent and chaired by industry legal experts.

If it comes out the final is postponed then it is something significant that has happened. postponing the final is not really an option for the EFL, surely

Would be f-ing hilarious if nothing of note come of this. extremely unlikely I know otherwise I doubt it would gone this far, but would be funny though

We’ll get a sanction. That I am certain, no denial what so ever has been made. best case is a fine, with a suspended points deduction. most likely, big fine and -3 points least likely expulsion from the final.

I will never ever forget their insane reaction to all of this

One club on the hook for 'spying', the other had had a transfer embargo One for the purists

if we remain in the playoffs and able to beat Hull, you just know we draw Boro in one of the cups next year

yeah, fair one. To be fair, that may have been poorly interpreted by me

Just a reminder what Stefan Borson said about it, he is usually pretty clued up on such matters

Hull have

Yeah, Stefan Borson was stating this on Talksport recently. Reminding all that it is EFL v Saints effectively and we will certainly appeal if we get a decision that is not acceptable to us (ie, being kicked out), which is a whole can of horrible worms for the EFL. In short, the offence took place and we are working with the process to ensure (hope) for a just sanction.

They have themselves as the Home side on their site

getting relentless

good point, more so as playing Saints or Boro are very different scenarios. We play very different football

surely an appeal wont be held within say, 48-72 hours......given this has take the best part of a week already. Then again, if we trigger an appeal that could trigger the fixture to be changed

When you put it like that (ie, just the facts), the timing might save us from what the EFL/whoever may want to do to as a sanction.