Will Boro-Saints play-off have deciding third act?

Kim Hellberg refused to offer congratulations to Tonda Eckert and the Southampton coaching team after the game [Getty Images] As Southampton players enjoyed the acclaim of their fans, and Middlesbrough players looked glass-eyed towards their own, the thought persisted - is this actually the end of this play-off tie? On the pitch, Saints claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory courtesy of Shea Charles' cross-shot in the closing stages of extra-time at St Mary's. That should mean a place at Wembley to take on Hull City in the Championship play-off final on 23 May.

But these are far from normal circumstances after the events of last Thursday at Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground. Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying - which they have not denied - and so the football world awaits the outcome - and possible punishment. So in this, the 40th season of the play-offs, will this tie be the first to be decided by an independent disciplinary panel, rather than the players?

Southampton ask for more time over spying claims Boro boss accuses Saints over 'spygate' allegations Saints charged by EFL with spying on Middlesbrough How Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough Southampton have asked for more time as they conduct an internal review into what exactly happened last Thursday. Normally they would have 14 days to respond to the charges, but the EFL has asked the independent disciplinary commission for "a hearing at the earliest opportunity". A spokesperson said late on Tuesday that the commission is going through the due legal process so no timescales can be confirmed yet.

Various sanctions could result for Southampton - a fine, a points deduction or even expulsion from the play-offs. That drama has played out against events on the pitch. It meant the post-match celebrations on Tuesday were more muted than might usually have been expected for such a significant win.