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Saints beat Boro: Bus hit by objects, managers row, alleged discrimination, ballboy flashpoint

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Saints beat Boro: Bus hit by objects, managers row, alleged discrimination, ballboy flashpoint

The Saints beat Boro, a bus was hit by objects, managers row, reports of alleged discrimination, and a flashpoint with a ballboy.

Coming into this Championship playoff semi final second leg, we knew that the winners would face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, the 23rd of May after beating Millwall 2-0.

Tonda Eckert’s side were unbeaten in the league since the 17th of January, Kim Hellberg’s Middlesbrough hadn’t lost in their last six on the road.

Before the game, Boro’s team coach were struck by objects upon its arrival at St Mary’s, some fans of both clubs dressed up as spies, bushes and in camouflage.

A group Southampton fans chanted “We’ll spy when we want, we’ll spy when we want. We are Southampton, we’ll spy when we want!”

It comes after the EFL charged Southampton after Middlesbrough reported their opponents for spying before their first leg clash at the Riverside.

A Southampton performance analyst was allegedly caught recording Boro’s training session and took pictures of tactics on Thursday.

Southampton haven’t denied the allegation but said in a statement they were requesting additional time to conduct an internal review over the matter before issuing their response.

The game began with boos for every touch by a Middlesbrough player on the pitch, a penalty appeal waved away after David Strelec went down in the box following a challenge from Caspar Jander.

Boro then silenced the home fans, Riley McGree breaking the deadlock after just 4 minutes.

Southampton had to level on the 12th minute, Ryan Manning with a ball into Ross Stewart, only to send it just past the post from six yards.

The Saints soon sparked back into life, the home fans found their voices again.

Some calls for a penalty from Southampton fans when Kuryu Matsuki went down in the box, having been muscled off the ball.

Another spot kick appeal after Callum Brittain pulled back Ross Stewart’s shirt in the box, Tonda Eckert angered by that one.

It got heated on the touchline with half time approaching, Kim Hellberg and Tonda Eckert needed to be separated and talked to by referee Andy Madley speaks to them.

Middlesbrough assistant Adi Viveash also dealt with by the fourth official.

Jonathan Oakes reported: “There were words exchanged between Ayling and Harwood-Bellis. Ayling said the words Harwood-Bellis used towards him were of a discriminatory nature, and other players around heard the comment as well. It prompted the referee Andy Madley to speak to both managers. Madley said he will be reporting the incident.”

Then on the 45th minute, an equaliser for the hosts. Leo Scienza sent a free-kick towards the back post, Ryan Manning having a shot saved by Boro stopper Sol Brynn, only for Ross Stewart to head home the rebound.

Curtis Davies on punditry for Sky Sports Football: “The equaliser came at the perfect time for Southampton, and the worst time for Boro. Stewart flies in for the header.”

Jobi McAnuff on Sky Sports Football: “Middlesbrough lost a bit of their composure leading up to the goal, and it gave Southampton that opportunity.”

Jo Tessem (Ex-Southampton player on BBC Radio Solent), as per BBC Sport’s live blog: “We have managed to claw our way back. Scienza has started to turn and run the way and it’s changed the game. You have to fight, you have to win the battle, I think we are just about winning it at the minute, though Boro are good in the middle and going forward.”

Neil Maddison (Ex-Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Radio Tees): “Middlesbrough were the better side in the first 10 minutes but Southampton grew into it with their dangerous set-pieces. Manning’s have been pinpoint. Boro need to get the ball to Tommy Conway more because I think he’s got the beating of Bree.45 more to go, it’s all to play for.”

Another penalty shout on 51 minutes, this time from Middlesbrough after the ball appeared to strike the arm of Matsuki in the box.

Lost count with the penalty shouts in this game. Another on 63 minutes, with Scienza making into the box and was blatantly pushed by Ayling. The referee not giving any of these.

Players showed signs of tiredness heading into the final 10 minutes of the second half, clumsy challenges, a booking, and a Southampton ballboy not giving the ball to Matt Targett, leading to Saints subs running over.

An added time penalty shout, Dael Fry goes attempted to clear a ball, Cyle Larin got a toe to it then went down. Referee not interested.

With Dael Fry being treated to, referee spoke with Harwood-Bellis and Ayling who were seen trying to make up after that incident in the first half.

Credit – Sky Sports

The game went to extra time, the Saints looking the stronger, Boro rather tired.

Finally, we had a winner, in the 116th minute, Shea Charles in off the post. Middlesbrough then pushed to try and get a late equaliser, with time running out, every shot they took was blocked.

Southampton celebrate knowing the independent disciplinary commission have a decision to make, whether that issuing a fine, a points deduction or removing Southampton from the play-offs.

The final whistle blew, stewards lined up around the pitch to stop any fans from invading the pitch.

Shea Charles on Sky Sports Football:

“It was! It was a cross-shot.”

“I thought I’d put it into an area and it’s gone all the way through and gone in.

“It was an incredible moment.

“None of us are used to extra-time. It was really tough against a really good team but thankfully we came out on top.”

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg on Sky Sports Football:

“I am unbelievably proud of how the players have played and fought for two games. The support, how we play football. I’m proud of all the things we’ve done.”



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