Mark Motley

Proud Teessider and @boro season card holder. #utb

[Nick De Marco KC @nickdemarco_]

@Gibson_Is_King It’s probably got to be one of Brad Pitt. Jude Law or Leonardo di Caprio, I reckon 😛

[Nick De Marco KC @nickdemarco_]

It’s been a fascinating case. Well done to all involved. We shall all look forward to reading the written reasons. For now, good luck Boro for the final!

[EFL Communications @EFL_Comms]

A League Arbitration Panel has today dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision in respect of breaches of EFL Regulations.

As a result, the original sanction remains in force. Southampton’s expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs stands, alongside the four-point deduction to be applied to the Club’s 2026/27 Championship record and the reprimand in respect of all charges. In accordance with EFL Regulations, the decision of the League Arbitration Panel is final.

Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3.30pm.

#EFL

[Nick De Marco KC @nickdemarco_]

Thanks for such kind words on Sky - I would say I’ll buy you a drink next time I see you in hospitality at QPR - but the drinks are free!

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final for spying. Correct decision, especially as it transpires they spied on three clubs in total. This is about more than a bloke standing behind a tree with an iPhone. It’s about how seriously the game should take cheating. EFL independent disciplinary commission have struck a blow for fair play, for integrity, for the need for respect between clubs, for coaches to have an expectation of privacy in training. 25% of goals scored in the Championship this season were from set-pieces. Clubs practised them. Understandably, coaches don’t want their plans revealed. EFL sending a strong message with this punishment. 

Spygate 2 different from Spygate 1. Rules tightened and punishments introduced since Leeds United’s offence. Appeals, of course. It’s tough for Southampton fans to be denied the trip to Wembley and the chance of a return to the Premier League. It’s particularly tough that many have forked out for tickets, travel and accommodation. Their frustration and anger should be directed at their club. Southampton should recompense fans. It’s not the fans’ fault. 

The stupidity in all this is that Southampton would probably have beaten Boro anyway. Better team, stronger bench. But this is so damning… “Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match,” says EFL. “The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.” So the punishment is proportionate. It should act as a deterrent. Honesty matters.

[Craig Hope @CraigHope_DM]

🚨 BREAKING: Southampton EXPELLED from Championship play-off final over Spygate scandal!

🔎 Multiple clubs the victim of their spying

🏟️ Middlesbrough will face Hull at Wembley on Saturday

4⃣ Saints four-point deduction next season

🟢 More to follow @MailSport

[EFL Communications @EFL_Comms]

An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.

In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.

The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.

📘 https://t.co/kGIhl4GksL

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

@justcalledtosay @SCOLLLLL Thanks @justcalledtosay it’s been a while. ☺️

[Charlie @SCOLLLLL]

Said it before. There’s a boro fan at every sporting event in the world it seems😂

Sri Lanka for the ODI

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

I have only ever tried the best for fans & to bridge a gap. I hope i achieved some of this.

Going forward please refrain from tagging me in any arguments relating to ticketing and any other moans you have about MFC. 😆😆

Taking a break from all of this. Peace out.✌️#UTB (2/2)

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

I informed the members of @borosupport this week of my decision to step down as chair and leave the group. I have also notified MFC.

The personal abuse received on various platforms & on the street regarding ticket price increases is a hassle I don’t need or ever expected (1/2)

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

@AyresomeMark @borosupport The Foodbank stuff came out yesterday hope to see you down there on Saturday. 👍🏻

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

I have had a couple of calls with the chairman today and for clarity reps from all fan groups and @borosupport will come together and meet with him tomorrow to further discuss ticket prices and financials. #boro

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

@LewisThompson7 @borosupport Hi mate, over the last week in all my calls and texts with him, I have mentioned the fact it’s the price comparisons to other clubs that fans can’t get their head around, and it would be good to hear more about that. I offered to help with some research on those comparisons.

[MSF @borosupport]

Wishing Mogga all the very best for a full and speedy recovery. #oneofourown

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

First @borosupport collection of 2024 this Saturday ahead of @Boro vs @Argyle

Food, cash, football boots for @FoodbankMbro and @MFCFoundation everything donated goes to local people.

#boro #utb

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

Regarding the incident at Leicester yesterday

[Middlesbrough FC @Boro]

Club statement ⬇️

[Mark Motley @motleysfool]

@GaryAPhilipson @adidasUK Red & white 😍 UTB