Southampton boost security around stadium as EFL continue investigation into 'spygate' saga

Southampton have unveiled a new AI-powered surveillance system at St Mary's, making them the first football club in the United Kingdom to implement Motorola Solutions' connected ecosystem technology.

The rollout comes as the south-coast club faces spying allegations after claims an intern secretly recorded Middlesbrough's training sessions ahead of their play-off semi-final clash.

The new system is designed to enhance staff efficiency by 20 per cent whilst reducing incident response times by 80 per cent, reports The Sun.

Kim Hellberg's Middlesbrough were eliminated from the play-offs on Tuesday after Shea Charles scored the decisive goal in extra time.

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However, the victory has been overshadowed by accusations a Southampton intern was discovered covertly filming Boro's training sessions before the semi-final encounters.

A hearing over the saga has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 19.

The English Football League made the announcement after previously releasing a statement reading: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.

"This follows a request from the EFL for the club's observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg.

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"Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges.

"However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity."

Southampton were charged by the EFL last week, after breaching Regulations 3.4 and 127.

Regulation 3.4 states: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other and the league with the utmost good faith."

EFL rule 127 is focused on observing training sessions during a time frame or without invitation.

It reads: "Without prejudice to the requirements of Regulation 3.4 (that each club shall behave towards each other club with the utmost good faith), no club shall directly or indirectly observe (or attempt to observe) another club's training session in the period of 72 hours prior to any match scheduled to be played between those respective clubs."

The rule was introduced following a "spygate" incident in 2019.

Then Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending a member of staff to spy on Derby County.

Leeds were fined £200,000 after being found guilty of breaking Regulation 3.4.

Then EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "The sanctions imposed highlight how actions such as this cannot be condoned, and act as a clear deterrent should any club seek to undertake poor conduct in the future."

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