Whitey Grandad

This is what I don't get. That Thursday, two days before one of their most important games in years, you might expet even a few Karenbrough fans to be interested in watching their heroes train. So a young man in casual clothes taking photos on his phone would be nothing unusual. Remember, at this stage there is no reason to suspect a football spy to be involved. Yet their security staff get all officious, demand that he delete any photos or videos and follow him to the clubhouse toilets. Then go to the trouble of allegedly finding out his name from a credit card transaction and search through SFC website photos for a possible match. The only photograph that they have published is low definition and partly obscured by his phone. That is not enough on its own to positively identify anyone. Why were they so absolutely convinced that he was a Southampton FC employee? Paranoia is not enough to explain their behaviour. Unless they had further information.

Was I standing next to a tree at the time and streaming the view on my phone? Oops, what a giveaway 🥵

Is it illegal to stare at a flasher? (Asking for a friend)

True, in principle. But if any Tom Dick or Karen can stop and watch them your secrets are not going to stay secret very long. The cost of a fence doesn't even come close to the cost of an intern's phone bill.

And a suspended one at that.

Yeah, you tell 'em.

That lot will convince themselves of anything if they think it's to their advantage.

The regulation just penalises the act of observing another team's training (within 72 hours). There is no mention of any impact, effect or otherwise. "our analyst was caught bang to rights" Oh dear. There are two things wrong with that statement. Think like a lawyer

By Tuesday whatever that means.

Here's a novel idea. Why not have team that is confident enough to play its own way and doesn't give a toss about the opposition? Let them worry about us.

I've just noticed your latest avatar - smart work! Who is it supposed to be?

He could have just read their local newspaper.

They're both drenched in grease.

That is exactly why they cannot be allowed to benefit. There are 24 teams in the League. One particular team cannot be more special than any other. If they did then allegations would be flying around right left and centre.

Certainly not. Their defeat had nothing to do with any alleged knowledge of their tactics or playing style. They were soundly beaten and have been declining for months. You're building this alleged breach of rule into far more than it is worth. Which is why KFC keep harping on about it. They know they're not good enough when it comes to playing football.

The same league rules that allow them to make a complaint are the same rules that say that they cannot be involved in the proceedings.

Only if you read the rags and believe them. Their involvement ends at the complaint.

No. Where in the rules does it say anything about resolution?

If they EFL rewards complainants then every club will be casting aspersions.

Why?

Is this the former analyst who later turned into a grass?

The EFL will want as much as they can reasonably get. They will have to set the amount at a level that is grudgingly accepted. If we are eventually promoted we shall be out of their jurisdiction although I expect that some sort of sanction would be carried over.

Cheating, if indeed that's what it is, comes in many different degrees of seriousness. Any punishment must surely fit the crime or it will be open to appeal.

There's still time...