James Corden doesn't hold back on Southampton spying row as Middlesbrough wait to learn play-off final fate

James Corden has launched a scathing attack on Southampton amid the Championship spying controversy, insisting the club should face a "severe and heavy price" if they are found to have broken English Football League rules.

The Gavin & Stacey star weighed in as Middlesbrough continue to wait to discover whether their season is truly over.

Boro were knocked out of the play-offs on Tuesday night after Shea Charles scored deep into extra time to secure Southampton a 2-1 second-leg victory at St Mary's.

That result sent the Saints through to the Championship play-off final, where they are currently scheduled to face Hull City at Wembley on May 23.

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However, the tie has been overshadowed by allegations that an individual connected to Southampton observed a Middlesbrough training session in the build-up to the first leg.

Southampton have been charged with alleged breaches of EFL regulations, including rules concerning good faith between clubs and observing an opponent's training session within 72 hours of a fixture.

The club has not yet been found guilty, and the case is set to be heard by an independent disciplinary commission.

Speaking on talkSPORT, lifelong West Ham supporter Corden said any proven breach should carry significant consequences.

"If Southampton go up and make, let's say, £150million from Premier League television revenue, then they should have to pay 50 per cent of that to Middlesbrough," he said.

"Because, if the allegations are proven, that would be cheating.

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"We should stop calling it Spygate and call it what it is - cheating.

"You're cheating the system, you're cheating the fans and you're cheating the players.

"So therefore you should have to pay a severe and heavy price."

The EFL hopes to complete the disciplinary process, including any appeal, before the play-off final later this month.

Middlesbrough's players have postponed the start of their summer break and are set to return to training while they await the outcome.

The controversy has also drawn a strong response from Andy McDonald, the MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East.

Posting on X, McDonald praised Boro head coach Kim Hellberg for showing "decency, commitment and total integrity".

He added: "Southampton cannot be allowed to profit from their dishonesty. The EFL have to come down firmly and decisively, and they need to do it quickly."

Southampton remain due to contest the final unless the disciplinary commission decides otherwise, with Hull also hoping to reach the Premier League.

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