Saints charged by EFL after spying on Middlesbrough

Saints charged by EFL after spying on MiddlesbroughImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The EFL has asked the independent disciplinary commission to expedite the case against Southampton quicker than the usual 14 days ByDale Johnson, Football issues correspondent and Nick Mashiter, Football reporterPublished2 minutes agoThe English Football League has charged Southampton with spying on Middlesbrough before they meet in the Championship play-off semi-finals on Saturday.BBC Sport has learned a Saints performance analyst recorded Boro training and taking pictures of tactics on Thursday morning.The staff member was caught, deleted the footage and left the area, but the Teesside club were furious and later contacted the EFL."Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL regulations, and the matter will be referred to an independent disciplinary commission," read a statement released on Friday night."This follows a request from the EFL for the club's observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs' meeting in Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg."How Southampton allegedly spied on MiddlesbroughPublished4 hours agoSouthampton face EFL probe over alleged spying on MiddlesbroughPublished1 day agoSaints are accused of breaking two regulations: EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; andEFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs."Under EFL regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges," the statement added. "However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the independent disciplinary commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest o...