Will Middlesbrough-Southampton play-off have a decisive third act?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Will Boro-Saints play-off have deciding third act? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kim Hellberg refused to offer congratulations to Tonda Eckert and the Southampton coaching team after the gameByAdam LaniganBBC Sport EnglandPublished1 hour agoAs Southampton players enjoyed the acclaim of their fans, and Middlesbrough players looked glass-eyed towards their own, the thought persisted - is this actually the end of this play-off tie? On the pitch, Saints claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory courtesy of Shea Charles' cross-shot in the closing stages of extra-time at St Mary's.

That should mean a place at Wembley to take on Hull City in the Championship play-off final on 23 May. But these are far from normal circumstances after the events of last Thursday at Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground. Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying - which they have not denied - and so the football world awaits the outcome - and possible punishment.

Match Details

So in this, the 40th season of the play-offs, will this tie be the first to be decided by an independent disciplinary panel, rather than the players? Southampton ask for more time over spying claims Published21 hours agoBoro boss accuses Saints over 'spygate' allegations Published3 days agoSaints charged by EFL with spying on Middlesbrough Published4 days agoHow Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough Published4 days agoSouthampton have asked for more time as they conduct an internal review into what exactly happened last Thursday. Normally they would have 14 days to respond to the charges, but the EFL has asked the independent disciplinary commission for "a hearing at the earliest opportunity".

A spokesperson said late on Tuesday that the commission is going through the due legal process so no timescales can be confirmed yet. Various sanctions could result for Southampton - a fine, a points deduction or even expulsion from the play-offs. That drama has played out against events on the pitch.

It meant the post-match celebrations on Tuesday were more muted than might usually have been expected for such a significant win. There was no mass pitch invasion at the final whistle, while home fans did not linger. Southampton should be starting preparations for the richest game in English football in 10 days' time, but there remains a nagging doubt.

Reactions and Expectations

Middlesbrough fly back to Teesside on Wednesday, but their fate is not completely decided. Beaten on the field, they do not know if this is the end of their season so players may have to hang around before heading off on summer holidays. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Eight players were booked on a night of high emotions at St Mary's'Heartbroken' Hellberg crushed by bitter lossAfter Saturday's goalless first leg, Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg made clear his feelings about the alleged spying.

In his words, "there's someone who makes decisions to go and try to cheat". Following defeat at St Mary's on Tuesday, Hellberg spoke with emotion.

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