Ex-Middlesbrough player on independent commission denies bias claims over Southampton ‘Spygate’ verdict
David Winnie played for Middlesbrough 33 years ago, and was on the independent commission that decided to throw Southampton out of the play-offs
A member of the independent commission which expelled Southampton from the play-offs has dismissed accusations of bias based on him playing a single match for Middlesbrough as "wholly without foundation". David Winnie, a footballer turned solicitor, played one match for Boro 33 years ago. He was part of a three-person panel which removed Southampton from the play-offs for spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their semi-final first leg.
Social media commentary questioned whether that link brought his independent status into question, but Winnie said on Friday: "The suggestion that a single appearance for Middlesbrough Football Club more than three decades ago could in any way influence my judgment as a member of an independent disciplinary commission is wholly without foundation. " He continued: "My involvement with the club consisted of one professional appearance approximately 33 years ago and has no bearing whatsoever on my ability to approach these proceedings impartially and objectively. “As with all commission members, my duty was to consider only the evidence, the applicable EFL regulations, and the submissions advanced by the parties.
The decision reached was unanimous and followed detailed legal argument, documentary evidence, witness testimony and careful deliberation by an experienced independent panel. " Kim Hellberg’s Middlesbrough will now play in Saturday’s play-off final (PA) Winnie added: "At no stage was any issue raised by either party regarding my independence or suitability to sit on the commission. Had there been any legitimate basis for concern, the appropriate procedures existed for that to be addressed before the hearing proceeded.
“Professional integrity in these proceedings is paramount. My role was to uphold the integrity of the competition and apply the regulations fairly, without fear or favour, and that is precisely what the commission did. " The EFL has also been approached for comment.