Championship play-off halted as England star accused of 'discriminatory remarks' to rival

The Championship play-off semi-final second leg between Southampton and Middlesbrough was halted on Tuesday over alleged 'discriminatory remarks'. The incident allegedly saw Boro player Luke Ayling accuse Saints' Taylor Harwood-Bellis of making comments of a discriminatory nature. Referee Andy Madley stopped play in the first-half when Ayling got booked after an exchange with Harwood-Bellis. Both managers were spoken to, and it is claimed that Madley will report the incident. Sky Sports reporter Jonathan Oakes said: "There were words exchanged between Luke Ayling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. "Ayling says the words that 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 says he will be reporting the incident." There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.