Are the Championship play-offs actually over or is there a Spygate twist to come?

Southampton and Hull City will contest the Championship play-off final at the end of this month, after both teams booked their place in football's richest game. 

Hull managed to overcome Millwall at The Den, despite being huge underdogs to get to Wembley, while Southampton bested Middlesbrough as they vie to make an instant return to the Premier League. 

Yet, this may not be the end of the play-off story, with a sting in the tale possibly yet to come that could give Middlesbrough an unlikely and arguably justifiable reprieve. 

Spygate II 

The reality is that Southampton are still facing a possible punishment after the 'spying' fiasco that ensued in the build-up to the two-legged semi-final clash. 

The Saints have been charged by the FA after a club performance analyst is alleged to have recorded Middlesbrough training and taken pictures of tactics on Thursday morning before their play-off clash that weekend. 

Following a similar incident by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa seven years ago, when his staff was caught spying on Derby County's training, a rule was brought in to outlaw such behaviour by the clubs by the EFL. 

However, with Boro's Rockliffe Hall training ground a much easier target than most new complexes which have been built in the middle of nowhere, Southampton seemingly tried to take advantage. 

The club have yet to deny any wrongdoing on their part, although the suggestion is that the analyst may not have come directly from the staff and boss Tonda Eckhert. 

Yet, as we wait for the exciting conclusion to the Championship season, will there be the most dramatic of twists ahead of the Wembley showpiece? 

@SouthamptonFC

Could Southampton be kicked out of the play-offs?

There was a huge caveat to Southampton's win on Tuesday night, yes, there was celebration as the club booked its place in the play-off final, but there was no pitch invasion and the talk after the game came with a possible asterisk against what may happen before the 23rd May. 

Southampton have asked for more time as they conduct an internal review, but given the time frame, they won't be allowed the standard 14 days to respond to the charge and the punishment could be severe. 

Suggestions have already been made that the South Coast club could face a huge fine, a points deduction or even expulsion from the final altogether. 

Speaking after the game, Saints boss Ekhert commented as best on the situation by saying, "It's not easy for me, I would say something but it is not the moment. 

"This whole matter is overshadowing two games that are an advert for the Championship from both teams.

"I hope that the way we speak about that gives credit to the quality of both games and when the investigation is closed, I will say something

"We do understand the seriousness of the matter. That's all there is to say at the minute."

While his opposite number, Kim Hellberg, heartbroken over the defeat, made his feelings known by stating, "There's someone who makes decisions to go and try to cheat".

Fans from both clubs now wait with bated breath to see how Southampton respond to the charge and what repercussions it may have heading towards next week's final.

The 40th year of the play-offs could really be decided off the pitch after one of its biggest scandals. 

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