Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis allegedly referenced Luke Ayling's stammer during play-off decider

Birmingham CityBlackburn RoversBristol CityCharlton AthleticCoventry CityDerby CountyHull CityIpswich TownLeicester CityMiddlesbroughMillwallNorwich CityPortsmouthPreston North EndQueens Park RangersSheffield UnitedSheffield WednesdaySouthamptonStoke CitySwansea CityWatfordWest Bromwich AlbionWrexhamScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsSouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis allegedly referenced Luke Ayling’s stammer during play-off deciderAyling and Harwood-Bellis were involved in a confrontation, leading referee Andy Madley to halt play and speak to both managers. Warren Little / Getty Images Share articleSouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis allegedly made reference to Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling’s speech impediment during Tuesday’s Championship play-off semi-final decider at St. Mary’s. Ayling and Harwood-Bellis were involved in a confrontation during the first half of the match, leading referee Andy Madley to halt play and speak to both managers — in accordance with the Football Association’s (FA) protocol for dealing with potential incidents of discrimination. The FA told The Athletic it will review the referee’s report from Madley before deciding whether to pursue action against Harwood-Bellis for discriminatory language. Multiple sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, have confirmed that Harwood-Bellis made reference to Ayling’s stammer. Southampton were approached for comment. The remark was heard by several of Ayling’s teammates and Madley took statements from both players after the match. Later in the game, which Southampton won in stoppage time, Ayling and Harwood-Bellis were seen having a conversation and embracing. Stammering can be classed as a disability in UK law under the 2010 Equality Act, which informs the FA’s rules on discrimination. During the managers’ conversation with Madley, Southampton’s Tonda Eckert appeared to confront his Middlesbrough counterpart Kim Hellberg. Asked about the moment afterwards, Hellberg told a press conference: “I think it is heat of the moment and feelings and emotions, and we love that about football. That is one thing we really, really love. When it happens on the pitch, it is what it is. It is feelings and emotions in big games.” He added: “On the pitch, things happen. It is not my role to explain in terms of that. It is better the involved people do that.” Eckert confirmed that Harwood-Bellis and Ayling had spoken after the game and said he was unaware of “what happened exactly” between them. “I’ve just seen they talked straight after the game and, obviously a lot of emotions, but they seemed fine,” Eckert said. “I need to check with him what happened exactly. “There must have been communication on the pitch, but I need to check with (Harwood-Bellis) exactly.” Southampton are already facing charges from the English Football League (EFL) related to an allegation that a member of staff spied on a Middlesbrough training session before last week’s first leg, which finished 0-0. The Athletic reported on Monday that Middlesbrough are seeking a sporting sanction rather than financial compensation regarding the ‘Spygate’ incident. Sources familiar with Boro’s thinking, speaking before Tuesday’s game, indicated Middlesbrough would prepare for the play-off final regardless of the result against Southampton. Southampton’s 2-1 win booked their place in the play-off final against Hull City on May 23, with a place in the Premier League on the line. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms