Gruffy

Looking at their behaviour from the outset of this debacle, I'd bet good money that if they'd had more damning evidence, they would have leaked it through every single media outlet willing to listen. In reality, it's been quite the opposite with the released info being somewhat over-egged. In your terms, akin to those videos of Neymar getting brushed and rolling, rolling, rolling etc.

If Boro's officials, fans and media hadn't gone into such a frenzied and unhinged meltdown over a bloke, a tree and an iPhone, would this have been viewed any worse than an ungentlemanly 'misdemeanour' ? It's not even a specific rule in other leagues and, despite looking poor for any club which is found guilty, it's hardly the crime of the century. That said, it would appear Hellberg's tears and the rest of the OTT response from Teesside has worked in that it's left many folk (Saints fans included) thinking the 'offence' is up there with poisoning the opponent's matchday breakfast and fearing eyewatering punishments as a result Time will tell, I guess.