Middlesbrough players to crack on with training amid hope Southampton will be banned from play-off final

Middlesbrough players are set to crack on with training in the hope that Southampton will be banned from the Championship play-off final.

The next 24 hours have been described as "crucial" by sources close to the situation, with an independent panel working to fast-track its examination of evidence.

Boro players have been given two days' rest before resuming training on Friday to ensure match fitness, should Southampton be found guilty and possibly booted out of the play-offs.

The Saints secured their place in the final against Hull City on May 23, following Shea Charles' late goal in extra time last night.

The alleged operation involved professional surveillance gear, including a microphone capable of capturing conversations and equipment enabling live transmission of footage to remote viewers.

When a Middlesbrough media department employee confronted the individual at the training ground, the man declined to reveal his identity and fled the scene, though a brief physical altercation occurred.

The club has since reviewed CCTV recordings and identified the suspect as an analyst listed on Southampton's official website who has been employed there for over a year.

Prior to joining Southampton, the individual reportedly held similar roles at clubs in the top flight.

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Southampton were formally charged by the EFL five days ago following Middlesbrough's complaint.

Tensions between the two clubs have escalated on multiple fronts following Southampton's narrow victory.

A fresh complaint has been submitted to the EFL after bottles were hurled at the Middlesbrough team coach prior to kick-off at St Mary's, according to The Telegraph Sport.

Concerns regarding security arrangements for visiting supporters at the Southampton ground have been included in a growing file of grievances lodged with football authorities.

Middlesbrough's chief executive, Neil Bausor, has stepped back from the EFL's three-member Championship representative board to prevent any conflict of interest in matters connected to the ongoing dispute.

Southampton issued a statement on Tuesday confirming they had sought additional time to carry out an internal investigation into the matter.

The Saints CEO, Phil Parsons, said: "The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the disciplinary commission, while also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.

"Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.

"We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn."

A stark example of the tense atmosphere came when Southampton manager Tonda Eckert abruptly departed his post-match press conference after a journalist posed the direct question: "Are you a cheat?"

Those working on the case have confirmed efforts are proceeding "urgently" to reach a verdict before the Wembley showpiece, though a resolution prior to May 23 is not guaranteed.

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