Saints Charged With Spying on Mboro Training

[Appy]

3 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. After reading Southampton’s CEO’s press release stating that Southampton are asking the EFL to give them time, and bear with them, while they held an ‘internal review’ (kick the situation into the long grass in the hope that this situation won’t hinder their attempts to make it into the premier league) I decided to register my complaint. 

My complaint was that the EFL should not give them any time to conduct any internal review. Southampton have admitted what they’d done, the EFL had already charged them, and so why did everyone have to wait until Southampton held this ‘internal review’ before the disciplinary body, imposed their penalty upon Southampton? 

I told the EFL representative that it was a blatant delaying tactic. I also stated that me complaining, probably wouldn’t make a difference to anything in the greater scheme of things. 

However, I pointed out that I didn’t care about that.

I told them I was making my complaint, because as a Middlesbrough supporter, I felt duty bound to do that in defence of the club I support. 

I also said I was complaining because what is happening here, goes against the ‘fair play’ ethos, that the game is constantly trying to champion. 

If you want to do the same as me, the EFL complaints department number is 01772325829. Their email is enquiries@efl.com. Make sure you give them your name and email address.

Is this genuine? 
 

My word, they are absolutely mental. 
 

Those poor people answering those phones. 

[Patrick Bateman]

9 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. ... 🤮 ... Make sure you give them your name and email address.

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

And one more

😂

[Willo of Whiteley]

18 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

There’s people calling for defamation cases on this very forum

You’re not familiar with sarcasm are you? Or humour? Or dare I say it, common sense and basic logic?

No one has said we’re definitely not guilty. The club is merely being professional - that’s good in itself.

It doesn’t mitigate if we originally did it but it shows a maturity compared to that of Boro/North East media, managers, fans etc - a lot of which have been adding layers to this and then changing it when a day later it doesn’t suit the narrative.

 

[Saint_Jonny]

Let's just remember that all Saints are accused of doing is filming a bunch of overpaid footballers during a training session, before a game in which they created more chances against us than in any other game since we lost 9-0 to Manchester United. You'd think we'd gone up there and burned down their shit hole of a town the way they are going on.

The Boro meltdown is absolutely unhinged. What a bunch of melts.

[RedArmy]

8 minutes ago, Appy said:

Is this genuine? 
 

My word, they are absolutely mental. 
 

Those poor people answering those phones. 

I honestly hope I never hear from another Boro fan in my life after this week. 
 

They are the scousers of the north east. 
 

Fucking mental. 

[Saint86]

2 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

It doesn’t mitigate if we originally did it but it shows a maturity compared to that of Boro/North East media, managers, fans etc - a lot of which have been adding layers to this and then changing it when a day later it doesn’t suit the narrative.

I think it speaks volumes that boro have opted to resort to the underhand tactics that they are tbh. Ultimately the case is the case - saints and boro know the score on that front, the side scrapping for any advantage they can grab would be the one i'd assume is worried they won't get what they want out of it.

[Patrick Bateman]

Ringing the FA. Basically, Man City have cheated by breaching financial regulations, so have Chelsea, so they should be kicked out the FA Cup and it awarded to Saints. Leeds are irrelevant of course. 

[badgerx16]

I think the punishment should be for the result of our league game away at the Riverside be expunged from the record and set as a default 3-0 to Boro instead.

Edited 1 hour ago by badgerx16

[skintsaint]

20 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. After reading Southampton’s CEO’s press release stating that Southampton are asking the EFL to give them time, and bear with them, while they held an ‘internal review’ (kick the situation into the long grass in the hope that this situation won’t hinder their attempts to make it into the premier league) I decided to register my complaint. 

My complaint was that the EFL should not give them any time to conduct any internal review. Southampton have admitted what they’d done, the EFL had already charged them, and so why did everyone have to wait until Southampton held this ‘internal review’ before the disciplinary body, imposed their penalty upon Southampton? 

I told the EFL representative that it was a blatant delaying tactic. I also stated that me complaining, probably wouldn’t make a difference to anything in the greater scheme of things. 

However, I pointed out that I didn’t care about that.

I told them I was making my complaint, because as a Middlesbrough supporter, I felt duty bound to do that in defence of the club I support. 

I also said I was complaining because what is happening here, goes against the ‘fair play’ ethos, that the game is constantly trying to champion. 

If you want to do the same as me, the EFL complaints department number is 01772325829. Their email is enquiries@efl.com. Make sure you give them your name and email address.

[benjii]

21 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. After reading Southampton’s CEO’s press release stating that Southampton are asking the EFL to give them time, and bear with them, while they held an ‘internal review’ (kick the situation into the long grass in the hope that this situation won’t hinder their attempts to make it into the premier league) I decided to register my complaint. 

My complaint was that the EFL should not give them any time to conduct any internal review. Southampton have admitted what they’d done, the EFL had already charged them, and so why did everyone have to wait until Southampton held this ‘internal review’ before the disciplinary body, imposed their penalty upon Southampton? 

I told the EFL representative that it was a blatant delaying tactic. I also stated that me complaining, probably wouldn’t make a difference to anything in the greater scheme of things. 

However, I pointed out that I didn’t care about that.

I told them I was making my complaint, because as a Middlesbrough supporter, I felt duty bound to do that in defence of the club I support. 

I also said I was complaining because what is happening here, goes against the ‘fair play’ ethos, that the game is constantly trying to champion. 

If you want to do the same as me, the EFL complaints department number is 01772325829. Their email is enquiries@efl.com. Make sure you give them your name and email address.

Probably worth some emails about the shabby conduct of Boro.

[DellBlockH]

I don't know if Saints are guilty or not. They have not admitted it. On the balance of probabilities, and the lack of an outright denial, it seems likely that somebody connected with Saints was caught observing a Middlesbrough training session. 

But that is all I know and all any of us outside the two clubs know. I'd much rather that Saints responded in a professional manner to the EFL rather than slug it out in the press. I've read enough of The Secret Barrister's books, and seen enough crime dramas, to know that if you are accused of wrongdoing, you say nothing and let your accuser produce the evidence. You can then respond to that evidence, and only to that evidence.

I daresay that some in here have more first-hand experience in these matters 😉

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 hours ago, benjii said:

Unfortunately, the secret agent had high-tech, military-grade surveillance equipment which instantly pulls a satellite backhaul to Spectre's moon base, which sends a L.A.S.E.R. signal straight to Tonda's brain implant. 

Exactly. Just the way all the other clubs do it. Interns on hills. Honestly. As if we were that amateurish.

[Willo of Whiteley]

I heard from a Boro supporting mate that has brother popped into our club shop about ten days ago and bought a tracksuit before he went back up north.

Make of that what you will.

But it’s just as plausible and some of the stuff that is coming out from up there.

[CanadaSaint]

59 minutes ago, Winnersaint said:

Simon Jordan adding yet more hysteria.

 

Not just hysteria but wilful dishonesty. He bangs on about "lacking integrity" and a "systemic problem" but there's absolutely no indication that we've done this repeatedly within 72 hours of a game - that's the ONLY illegal version.

It's notable that there hasn't been widespread condemnation from other clubs, and I think that's because most of them (at least, at the higher levels) do this kind of thing themselves - just outside the 72-hour window.

If watching opposition training sessions was fundamentally wrong, there wouldn't be a window.

And on the topic of the "harm" we supposedly inflicted on Boro, could there have been any if they deleted the footage so that we never had a chance to use it?

[bpsaint]

I’m starting to hate these wankers as much as I do the skates.

[Maggie May]

38 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. After reading Southampton’s CEO’s press release stating that Southampton are asking the EFL to give them time, and bear with them, while they held an ‘internal review’ (kick the situation into the long grass in the hope that this situation won’t hinder their attempts to make it into the premier league) I decided to register my complaint. 

My complaint was that the EFL should not give them any time to conduct any internal review. Southampton have admitted what they’d done, the EFL had already charged them, and so why did everyone have to wait until Southampton held this ‘internal review’ before the disciplinary body, imposed their penalty upon Southampton? 

I told the EFL representative that it was a blatant delaying tactic. I also stated that me complaining, probably wouldn’t make a difference to anything in the greater scheme of things. 

However, I pointed out that I didn’t care about that.

I told them I was making my complaint, because as a Middlesbrough supporter, I felt duty bound to do that in defence of the club I support. 

I also said I was complaining because what is happening here, goes against the ‘fair play’ ethos, that the game is constantly trying to champion. 

If you want to do the same as me, the EFL complaints department number is 01772325829. Their email is enquiries@efl.com. Make sure you give them your name and email address.

I refuse to believe this isn’t satire. 
 

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, CanadaSaint said:

Not just hysteria but wilful dishonesty. He bangs on about "lacking integrity" and a "systemic problem" but there's absolutely no indication that we've done this repeatedly within 72 hours of a game - that's the ONLY illegal version.

It's notable that there hasn't been widespread condemnation from other clubs, and I think that's because most of them (at least, at the higher levels) do this kind of thing themselves - just outside the 72-hour window.

If watching opposition training sessions was fundamentally wrong, there wouldn't be a window.

And on the topic of the "harm" we supposedly inflicted on Boro, could there have been any if they deleted the footage so that we never had a chance to use it?

Hmm. I think it's worth pointing out that Jordan has obviously been speaking to Gibson. He seems pretty convinced that there is some evidence that we've been doing it a lot. Wonder if that can be proved though.

[hypochondriac]

In fact Simon Jordan was being rung live on air by Steve Gibson so he's definitely been talking to him 

[Maggie May]

1 hour ago, Winnersaint said:

Simon Jordan adding yet more hysteria.

 

Apparently Steve Gibson phones Simon Jordan at 3.30mins.  SJ holds his phone up and SG’s name is visible when the video’s enhanced. Perhaps Southampton should make a complaint that Middlesbrough aren’t behaving in the fairness of the game, considering their owner appears to be feeding information to a presenter 😉 

[RedArmy]

“So, if Southampton progress tonight and go on to win the final, but are subsequently expelled, presumably that means Hull go up by default? Hardly fair!” 

 

 

I think there might finally be a sliver of sanity on teeside, that they’re getting fuck all out of this situation regardless of what happens. 
 

Unless they win tonight of course. 

[Sunglasses Ron]

1 hour ago, Winnersaint said:

Simon Jordan adding yet more hysteria.

 

He certainly seems to have changed his tune since yesterday!

[bpsaint]

19 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

In fact Simon Jordan was being rung live on air by Steve Gibson so he's definitely been talking to him 

I hope Saints use that in the legal challenge as proof of Boro swaying the media.

Particulary with the way Jordan has changed his tune since yesterday.

[hypochondriac]

Another Times article stating we could be thrown out but again, no sources cited so obviously from the Boro side again...

[Willo of Whiteley]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

Another Times article stating we could be thrown out but again, no sources cited so obviously from the Boro side again...

It’s getting farcical now.

[SNSUN]

FYI people anyone heading to the Standing Order Spoons... it's closed yesterday. I'm off to the ground instead. 

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

It’s getting farcical now.

Insiders believe that now clubs know spying is banned outright, anyone found to have broken the rule can expect a sporting sanction rather than the kind of fine handed out to Leeds. If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

"insiders"

[Appy]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

Insiders believe that now clubs know spying is banned outright, anyone found to have broken the rule can expect a sporting sanction rather than the kind of fine handed out to Leeds. If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

"insiders"

Very clickbaity, goes from likely to as matter of fact to “insiders believe” and “could”. 

[skintsaint]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Insiders believe that now clubs know spying is banned outright, anyone found to have broken the rule can expect a sporting sanction rather than the kind of fine handed out to Leeds. If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

"insiders"

Good knowledge these insiders have regarding 'spying'..even after the EFL statement says you can't do it within 72 hours only. 

[Miltonaggro]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Insiders believe that now clubs know spying is banned outright, anyone found to have broken the rule can expect a sporting sanction rather than the kind of fine handed out to Leeds. If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

"insiders"

That would then instigate a rather substantial legal case, which Saints would win nine times out of ten, as the experts at South Square will be telling their EFL contacts.

[Toadhall Saint]

Just have to win tonight then see what happens - force their (EFL) hand 

[Doctoroncall]

4 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Insiders believe that now clubs know spying is banned outright, anyone found to have broken the rule can expect a sporting sanction rather than the kind of fine handed out to Leeds. If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

"insiders"

Insiders - It’s the new word for Experts which got a hammering during Covid so can’t be used anymore. 

[Farmer Saint]

Chucking us out of the Playoffs is not a proportional punishment. That is where the issue is. Would never stand up in a court of law.

[SaintsLoyal]

"Insiders believe now that clubs know spying is banned outright"

but thats not true

[saintant]

1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

Eh? If that is the argument-which I doubt-the the argument is we had no knowledge that he was going to observe training during the period he should not be doing so.

If we admit to authorising a junior analyst to visit Boro's training ground we are in the shit. Whether we told him to do something and he did something else won't wash with any enquiry and won't be seen as an excuse.

[Zorba]

13 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

If Southampton are found guilty by an independent commission, they could end up forfeiting a place in the final if they beat Middlesbrough.

Be a bit one sided. I bet Hull would still create less chances than Boro did in that first half on Saturday.

Edited 8 minutes ago by Zorba

[Gloucester Saint]

Do people believe me now about the standards of English journalists?

The political ones are poor enough but some of the sports ones are horrendous.

Brian Woolnough or Hugh Mcllvanney would have put into proportion, criticised the board and management, but none of the froth. 

[tdmickey3]

3 hours ago, Fleetbeast said:

Edmonton knows you’re bang to rights. Fair play fella. 

Did you receive a bang on the head?

[tdmickey3]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

There’s people calling for defamation cases on this very forum

lol, you were claiming that about wuss a while back

[Fabrice29]

Just now, tdmickey3 said:

lol, you were claiming that about wuss a while back

 

3 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Did you receive a bang on the head?

 

[Ted Bates Statue]

1 hour ago, Saint_Jonny said:

Let's just remember that all Saints are accused of doing is filming a bunch of overpaid footballers during a training session, before a game in which they created more chances against us than in any other game since we lost 9-0 to Manchester United. You'd think we'd gone up there and burned down their shit hole of a town the way they are going on.

 

Ah but you see the thing is we knew they would do that and yet still fail to hit a cow's arse with a banjo. That's why they're rightly so cross with us and we deserve to be expelled from the division.

[EBS1980]

So if we were kicked out of the play offs, you think we would just accept that? No chance, not with the impact of players we would lose etc. we would appeal it and that would then take time. What they gonna do delay the final until the appeal has been heard. No chance!

[Forester]

While not bullet proof, and if things go well tonight, surely the most fun defence we could run is:

”well, when we spied on them we couldn’t beat them.  Then, when we didn’t, we battered them 4-0 in second leg.  So it proves it hasn’t helped us😀

[SNSUN]

Got to the ground. All kicking off here. 

[hypochondriac]

Just now, EBS1980 said:

So if we were kicked out of the play offs, you think we would just accept that? No chance, not with the impact of players we would lose etc. we would appeal it and that would then take time. What they gonna do delay the final until the appeal has been heard. No chance!

Yep and during the appeal period we would be deemed innocent until proven guilty. The rules say 14 days and that is how long we are allowed.

[Midfield_General]

7 minutes ago, saintant said:

If we admit to authorising a junior analyst to visit Boro's training ground we are in the shit. Whether we told him to do something and he did something else won't wash with any enquiry and won't be seen as an excuse.

How on earth can you know that?

Are you on the panel? Have you heard the full mitigation case? 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

13 minutes ago, Doctoroncall said:

Insiders - It’s the new word for Experts which got a hammering during Covid so can’t be used anymore. 

You are our Expert on Insiders. 🙂

[St. Ciervo]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

I’ve just called the EFL complaints team. After reading Southampton’s CEO’s press release stating that Southampton are asking the EFL to give them time, and bear with them, while they held an ‘internal review’ (kick the situation into the long grass in the hope that this situation won’t hinder their attempts to make it into the premier league) I decided to register my complaint. 

My complaint was that the EFL should not give them any time to conduct any internal review. Southampton have admitted what they’d done, the EFL had already charged them, and so why did everyone have to wait until Southampton held this ‘internal review’ before the disciplinary body, imposed their penalty upon Southampton? 

I told the EFL representative that it was a blatant delaying tactic. I also stated that me complaining, probably wouldn’t make a difference to anything in the greater scheme of things. 

However, I pointed out that I didn’t care about that.

I told them I was making my complaint, because as a Middlesbrough supporter, I felt duty bound to do that in defence of the club I support. 

I also said I was complaining because what is happening here, goes against the ‘fair play’ ethos, that the game is constantly trying to champion. 

If you want to do the same as me, the EFL complaints department number is 01772325829. Their email is enquiries@efl.com. Make sure you give them your name and email address.

I hope this is a skit for a morning radio show. I would absolutely love to hear the message playbacks. 

[skintsaint]

Just now, EBS1980 said:

So if we were kicked out of the play offs, you think we would just accept that? No chance, not with the impact of players we would lose etc. we would appeal it and that would then take time. What they gonna do delay the final until the appeal has been heard. No chance!

Exactly, its why the EFL are desperate for a Boro win tonight. Expect a dodgy decision or two.