Southampton FC Issue Statement On Spygate
Tuesday, 12th May 2026 13:08

Saints Chief Executive Officer Phil Parsons has broken the silence emanating from St Mary's regarding the situation which has blown up between the club and tonight's opponents Middlesbrough.

Saints CEO Phil Parsons has been speaking about the situation now dubbed Spygate in a statement issued this morning by Southampton Football Club it reads as follows:

We would like to provide a brief update regarding the incident reported at Middlesbrough last week.

The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.

Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.

We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn.

Having spent a significant amount of time around this football club, I know the character of the people within it. The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made, and I am confident that spirit will remain unchanged.

This season has represented another important step forward for the football club. While we know there is still more work ahead of us and we are not yet where we ultimately want to be, the unity shown during challenging moments has continued to define Southampton Football Club.

The support from our fans throughout the season has once again been exceptional, and everyone connected with the club remains fully committed to building long-term success in the right way.

Dragan Solak continues to support the club financially, and we remain proud to have stayed competitive while operating within financial regulations, something that is important for the long-term stability of the club.

Our focus now turns fully to this evening’s game. This is the time for all of us to get behind the team and create another special atmosphere at St Mary’s.

Phil Parsons
CEO
Southampton Football Club

All Photos Via Reuters

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davidargyll added 13:49 - May 12

My immediate reaction is that this smells a bit.
Because surely Parsons et al, having had several days to find out what happened, and indeed the actual facts of the case must surely be pretty straight forward - either he was acting with our authority or he wasn't - wanting more time suggests someone somewhere is wriggling.
I still reckon that a hefty fine - £1/2m at least - will be the punishment but this statement just seems to make the whole thing even murkier…

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bryanK added 18:34 - May 12 Disappointment and total amazement at this issue. We had no need to act in this way (if true) there is a high level of betrayal to the wonderful fans if the sanction is more than a fine. Beggars belief if we are thown out of payoffs or a points deduction. The good name of our great club could be tarnished if the allegations are proven and I afraid heads could roll.
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DoctorSleep added 00:53 - May 13

It seems to me that Saints are guilty until proven innocent. Exactly what evidence do Middlesboro have? From the reports I've read its all hearsay! The Gent in question didn't stop, they didn't get his phone.
Personally I think it was Boro's attempt to unsettle us before the two games. Same with Ayling in tonights game accusing Taylor of discrimatory words ( probably called him a f**king cheat or words to that effect )

Interestingly, although the EFL brought in rules to stop clubs spying within 72 hrs of a match they didn't bring in any punishment! So the talk of pts deduction, thrown out of Championship final is all premature. If and I think its a big if we are found guilty then its likely to be a fine. Again the precedent has been set with Leeds

StRipper added 13:57 - May 13

I don't know about everyone else's views, but I suspect that we let Boro score the first goal last night. Despite having zero evidence other than what I saw on the pitch, I wonder if we agreed to let Boro go one up as a compromise for any other sanction and find a solution acceptable to all parties
There was some really odd behaviour with Manning not being interested to go out to the wing to close down the crosses in that first 5 minutes. And all the Saints players were static when they scored.
We'll soon see if there was some sort of agreement, if Boro mysteriously drop the issue. If that arrangement did happen (and fair play to Saints for being so ballsy to reckon they could still win with the disadvantage, if so), that must really be hurting the Boro to have still lost under those circumstances