Middlesbrough want Southampton kicked out of play-offs over Spygate

Middlesbrough are not permitted to intervene in proceedings against Southampton

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be expelled from the Championship play-off final over the Spygate saga. has dominated the English Football League's (EFL) end-of season showpiece.

Southampton beat Boroin extra time in the second legto reach the Wembley final on Saturday, 23 May against Hull City -. that may have to be rescheduled depending on the outcome of an independent panel's hearing.

Boro will not be permitted to take part in the hearing brought by the EFL over Saints' alleged spying at their Rockliffe Park training ground last Thursday in the build-up to the first leg of the play-off semi-final at the Riverside.

They describe the conduct as going against"sporting integrity. fair competition",externaland believe that a sporting sanction is the only fair outcome.

The hearing, conducted by an independent disciplinary committee, will take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May.

But with Middlesbrough not allowed to be present, they are calling on the EFL to expel Southampton from the play-offs in the interests of fairness. to deter clubs from trying anything similar in future.

The statement added: "We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs,. deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League."

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