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Friday’s briefing: ‘Spygate’ means Wembley showdown may be rescheduled
The scheduling of the Sky Bet Championship play-off final has been called into question after the EFL confirmed spying charges against Southampton may not be heard until Tuesday.
Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist claims Scottish football must get rid of VAR or continue looking like “absolute clowns”.
Manchester City won the FA Youth Cup for a fifth time after beating rivals Manchester United.
EFL provide update on ‘Spygate’ hearing
Spying charges against Southampton may not be heard until Tuesday, placing a question mark over the scheduling of next week’s Championship play-off final.
The club were charged last week by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, with the league asking for an independent commission to examine the case “at the earliest opportunity”.
The EFL issued a statement on Thursday afternoon to say the hearing would take place “on or before Tuesday, May 19”.
Considering the high stakes involved, an appeal from one or more parties in the case seems almost certain, putting a question mark over whether the appeal could be heard before the date scheduled for the final, May 23, if the initial hearing does not happen until Tuesday.
However, the EFL said it “continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled”, starting at 4.30pm.
The EFL, keen to point out it did not have control of the timetable due to the independent nature of the hearing, said the exact date for the hearing “remains under discussion” and is expected to be confirmed shortly.
While the league continues to plan for May 23, it admitted: “Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture,” adding it has “a number of contingency plans should they be required”.
Hull sporting director Jared Dublin maintains the club will just continue their own preparations for Wembley.
“(It is) not a good look for football, not a good look for the EFL for sure, unfortunately. At this moment in time we’re preparing for Southampton, that’s all we can do,” Dublin told Hull Live.
VAR shambles leaves Scottish football ‘a laughing stock’
Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist claims Scottish football must get rid of VAR or continue looking like “absolute clowns”.
Scottish football’s refereeing standards have come into sharp focus after the penalty award that made Celtic favourites for the William Hill Premiership title, with Gary Lineker among those arguing it might be the worst ever VAR call.
Kelechi Iheanacho sealed a 3-2 win from the spot nine minutes into stoppage time – moving Celtic a point behind Hearts ahead of their title decider – after Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson was penalised for handball when referee John Beaton was called to the monitor by video assistant Andrew Dallas.
Nicholson looked like he had headed it clear, but footage showed the former Hearts player had his raised hand right in front of his forehead.
McCoist called it a “horrendous decision that has, once again, embarrassed Scottish football”.
The former Scotland international added on talkSPORT: “We must get rid of VAR, particularly in Scotland. Because instead of helping officials, it’s making us look like absolute clowns. We are a laughing stock.”
Lineker had earlier posted on X: “This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance.”
Young City slickers claim another FA Youth Cup win
Reigan Heskey’s late goal saw Manchester City lift the FA Youth Cup for a fifth time with a 2-1 win over rivals Manchester United.
In front of his father – former Liverpool and England forward Emile – Heskey struck in the 87th minute after United’s Godwill Kukonki cancelled out Floyd Samba’s opener late in the first half.
With Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo in the stands, City dominated the second half to win this competition for a second time in three years. Oli Reiss’ side now face Chelsea for the under-18 Premier League title next Friday.
United arrived at the Joie Stadium – the controversial venue for this final with the Etihad Stadium unavailable – in numbers as Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes and Jason Wilcox supported their youngsters, but Darren Fletcher’s side were second best.
What’s on today?
Aston Villa host Liverpool in the Premier League, with both clubs looking to take a step closer to securing Champions League qualification.
The play-offs continue in Sky Bet League Two, with Salford at home to Grimsby and Notts County taking on Chesterfield in the second legs of their semi-finals.
