Middlesbrough fury at ‘spying’ row as ‘venomous’ welcome awaits Southampton

• Investigation too late for Saturday’s game at the Riverside

• Boro want process sped up amid sanctions uncertainty

Middlesbrough remain furious with Southampton after catching a man they believe is a member of Tonda Eckert’s backroom staff allegedly spying on a vital training session ahead of Saturday’s Championship playoff semi-final first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro have reported the incident to the English Football League, as spying on opposition training is in breach of its regulations. The EFL is investigating the alleged misconduct and, as of Friday, was still waiting for an explanation of what happened from Southampton. Boro want the disciplinary process to be expedited but, as things stand, expect Saturday’s game to proceed as planned.