A member of the independent disciplinary commission that expelled Southampton from the English Football League play-offs has rejected accusations of bias.
David Winnie, a former footballer turned solicitor, served on the three-person panel that disqualified Southampton for spying on Middlesbrough's training session before their semi-final first leg.
>>> Real Madrid Confirms David Alaba Departure at Season End
Critics online questioned his impartiality because he played a single match for Middlesbrough 33 years ago.
Winnie currently works as a partner and head of sports at Gilson Gray LLP.
He clarified that his past brief athletic history has no connection to his current legal responsibilities on the disciplinary panel.
"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," Winnie said.
"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," he added.
Unanimous Decision Based on Evidence
The commission established that Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert authorized the spying operation at Middlesbrough.
Investigations revealed that Southampton staff had also conducted previous surveillance missions at training sessions held by Oxford and Ipswich.
"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 said.
"The decision reached was unanimous and followed detailed legal argument, documentary evidence, witness testimony and careful deliberation by an experienced independent panel," he stated.
