Spygate panel member who performed for Middlesbrough denies bias claims after Southampton verdict
The independent disciplinary commission unanimously stripped Southampton of their place in the Championship play-offs for breaching multiple EFL regulations
Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs(Image: Warren Little, Getty Images)
David Winnie has refuted suggestions that a brief spell playing for Middlesbrough could have influenced his impartiality as a member of the independent disciplinary commission.
Winnie was part of the panel that controversially ousted Southampton from the Championship play-offs during the ‘Spygate’ hearing into manager Tonda Eckert team’s cheating. The Scotsman had a single outing for Boro while on loan from Aberdeen in 1994, during a career spanning 17 years on the pitch.
He briefly dipped his toes into management before retraining as a solicitor. After qualifying in November 2009, Winnie now holds the position of partner and Head of Sports at Scottish law firm Gilson Gray LLP. The solicitor now faces accusations of bias on social media because of this link, despite Saints admitting their “deplorable” conduct.
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He said: “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.
“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.
Winnie continued, saying: “The decision reached was unanimous and followed detailed legal argument, documentary evidence, witness testimony and careful deliberation by an experienced independent panel.
“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.”
He also stated: “As one of the members of the independent disciplinary commission in the matter involving the EFL and Southampton Football Club, I recognise that our decision will generate significant debate and will have serious ramifications across the footballing landscape and beyond.
“However, the commission’s duty was not to consider popularity, reputation or consequence in isolation, but to uphold the integrity of the competition and apply the regulations fairly, independently and without fear or favour.
“The commission unanimously concluded that the conduct in question represented a deliberate and organised attempt to obtain a competitive advantage in breach of fundamental principles of sporting integrity and good faith.
The solicitor went on to say: “Football depends upon public trust. Supporters, clubs, players and stakeholders must have confidence that competitions are conducted on a level playing field.
“This outcome reflects the seriousness with which the commission viewed repeated breaches of the regulations, particularly within the context of one of the most financially and competitively significant competitions in English football. The message is clear: cheating, in any form, has no place in the game and will not be tolerated.
“While the sanctions imposed are severe, the commission considered them necessary, proportionate and essential to protect the integrity and credibility of English football moving forward.”
