How Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough

Breaking news from the world of sport: How Southampton allegedly spied on MiddlesbroughImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The EFL has opened an investigation into an allegation of spying before the Championship play-off semi-finalsByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished21 minutes agoWhenever we hear that one football club has been spying on another, it conjures images of classic, covert espionage. Shadowy figures creeping through bushes, climbing trees and taking photographs with a telephoto lens. But, as Middlesbrough have found out, sometimes it is not that difficult.

Southampton stand accused of allegedly spying on their Championship play-off opponents 48 hours before their semi-final first-leg match at Riverside Stadium on Saturday (12:30 BST). It brings back memories of 2019, when Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he had sent a member of his staff not to just spy on Derby County, but every team they played that season. What supposedly happened at Boro's training ground?

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And what punishment might Southampton expect? What did Southampton allegedly do? Image source, SportImage caption, The alleged spy walked from the golf club to an area overlooking Middlesbrough's training pitches before he was spottedMiddlesbrough train on the sprawling grounds of Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth-on-Tees, just outside Darlington.

But this is not your classic training base, hidden away among trees and walled off from the prying eyes. Rockliffe Hall is also a luxury hotel, spa and golf resort built by Boro owner Steve Gibson. The complex is open to the public.

If you want to sneak in and watch Boro training it would appear you do not have to try too hard. According to sources, this is what happened late on Thursday morning. Both clubs have been approached for comment.

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So far Southampton have made no public statements on the matter. The supposed spy, who Boro allege to be a Southampton analyst, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to the top of a small hill. The training pitches and golf course are next to each other with just a hedgerow separating them.

While there have been reports that the so-called spy was found hiding in bushes, the real story is apparently no so dramatic. Sources told the that the accused simply stood at the top of the hill, which slopes down to the training field and gives a clear view overlooking the pitches. Perfect for not-so-covert ops.

At one stage the suspicious individual was pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones. Boro staff believe he may have been live streaming the session via a video call. What happens next sounds more like a comedy sketch than a cunning spy operation.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.