Southampton 'Spygate' punishments explained as Middlesbrough boss fights back tears

Southampton face being kicked out of the play-offs after being charged by the EFL for spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. The Championship are alleged to have caught recording Boro training ahead of their first leg fixture, which ended 0-0 at The Riverside. A disciplinary hearing is due to take place before the play-off final on May 23, with Saints through to the Wembley showpiece after beating Boro 2-1 in extra-time on Tuesday night. The EFL are expected to hit Southampton with a sporting sanction rather than a fine if found guilty. Possible punishments include forfeiting their place in the play-off final or having Saturday's result changed to a 3-0 win for Boro. If Southampton lose in the play-off final, they could face a points deduction for next season instead. The club could appeal to an EFL board but may have to rush the process to avoid sanctions being applied after the final. Southampton CEO Phil Parsons said: "The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood." The Saints boss insisted the club's unity would remain unchanged despite the controversy, adding: "The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made." Tonda Eckert walked out his post-match press conference for the second time in a week, after being asked if he was a cheat following win in the second leg and the charges brought to the club. He said: "It’s not easy for me to not comment, there’s just nothing I can say at the moment, because it’s an ongoing investigation. "e’re taking the matter very seriously. I will say something. I just can’t say it now." Kim Hellberg had to hold back the tears after the defeat in the second leg as the Boro boss called the incident a disgrace: "I think that it’s disgraceful. It makes me very sad. If we hadn’t caught that person, I would be sitting here thinking I should have done better things." READ THE FULL STORY: Southampton face play-off FORFEIT as EFL decide on possible 'spying' punishment