Oxford united FC
Commission member denies bias after Southampton ‘Spygate’
David Winnie, a footballer turned solicitor, played one match for Boro 33 years ago. He was part of a three-person panel which kicked Southampton out of the play-offs for spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their semi-final first leg.
There has been some social media commentary over whether that link brought into question his independent status, 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.
“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.
“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.
READ MORE: Why Southampton spied on Oxford United’s Christmas fixture
READ MORE: Angry Oxford United fans react to Southampton ‘Spygate’
“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.
The commission found Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert had authorised the spying mission at Boro, and earlier visits to training sessions held by Oxford United and Ipswich Town.
Winnie, the partner and head of sports at Gilson Gray LLP, acknowledged that the commission’s decision would have “serious ramifications” across football, but added: “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.
“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.”
Oxford United travel to Leyton Orient for the first round of the Carabao Cup and Aaron Ramsey’s first competitive match in charge.
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The Yellows conceded a late duo of goals scored by Demetri Mitchell and Idris El Mizouni to bow out of the competition against their League One opponents.
It was a well-contested match at Brisbane Road until late on, the two strikes providing a disappointing end to former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey’s first taste of competitive management with the U’s.
United began brightly, Aidomo Emakhu immediately working space in the box to cross but could only find Nathan Baxter’s grasp.
The winger got beyond his man soon after and put another ball in looking for Siriki Dembele who was beaten to it by former Yellows loanee Fin Stevens.
Dembele was bright in the first period, winning a free kick which Cameron Brannagan sent just over the crossbar.
Ciaron Brown headed at corner at the keeper before the hosts found some momentum.
🚨 Aaron Ramsey on Brian De Keersmaecker extended absence from the Oxford United squad:
🗣️ “Him and Stan were training back home and hopefully they can both join the group.
“They are two different cases where Brian hasn’t played any minutes. Stan has.
“Hopefully now next week…
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
Efforts from Isaac Hayden and Yusuf Akhamrich failed to bother Jamie Cumming, but a good cross from Somto Boniface was turned just wide by the arriving Zech Obiero.
Oxford were forced to be patient as the O’s restricted their passing lanes, eventually seeing a shot from Dembele fly over from outside the box.
A blocked effort from Boniface saw out a tightly contested first half.
Again, the U’s started brightly, Dembele and Brannagan combining well but Harris could not turn the captain’s cross goalward.
Boniface and El Mizouni fired off target for the O’s before Emakhu saw a powerful shot saved by Baxter.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings in Leyton Orient cup defeat
READ MORE: Leyton Orient 2-0 Oxford United – Carabao Cup recap
Some space opened up on the front foot for Oxford through Emakhu and Harris, but both opted for the wrong options with the former failing to pick out the latter before the Welshman decided not to shoot in a good area.
The hosts, with the home advantage, began to fashion some late pressure.
The opener came with five minutes left on the clock, Mitchell improvising well to turn the ball in from a good cross.
A quickfire second saw the O’s secure the win, El Mizouni sliding the ball past Cumming from a low cross into the area.
Aaron Ramsey says Stan Mills has trained on his own the last few days:
🗣️ “It was a medical decision for him to train over the last few days on his own to be able to re-join the group next week”#oufc 🟡
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
The last-minute strikes saw Oxford bow out of the cup in the first round, with the League One opening day at home to MK Dons on the horizon.
Orient: Baxter, Stevens, Olowu, El Mizouni, Hayden, Dobra (Mitchell 70), Boniface (Morris 77), Akhamrich (Springett 70), Obiero (Wellens 83), Chinedu, Archibald (Kabia 70)
Oxford: Cumming, Spencer (Kioso 86), Long, Brown, Currie, McDonnell (Sibley 73), Brannagan, Emakhu, Goodrham (Elliott-Wheeler 73), Dembele (O’Donkor 62), Harris (Snowden 86)
Bookings: Stevens; Emakhu
After defeat in Aaron Ramsey’s first competitive fixture, here is how we rated the Yellows team…
Jamie Cumming – 5
Distributed the ball decently well despite appearing visibly frustrated at his lack of options in the first half.
Disappointed late on as he was rooted to the spot for the opening goal and unable to reach the second, his positioning not quite on point.
Brodie Spencer – 5.5
Did not see many of his trademark tackles and was caught out of position on occasion.
Tried to be positive with his passing forward as Orient pressed well.
Sam Long – 5.5
Long and Brown were solid enough until the end when the O’s movement caught them and the defence out.
Saw a preview of that movement in the first half which had the potential to cause problems, and did.
Ciaron Brown – 5.5
One or two decent blocks in there but failed to stop the cross for the second goal.
Jack Currie – 6
Took up some good positions early on and provided an outlet on the left with Dembele.
Possibly missed his connection with Emakhu which was fruitful against Ipswich.
Jamie McDonnell – 6
Thought he looked good for the most part.
McDonnell’s passing was sure and accurate and he had his usual energy. He was withdrawn before the late goals.
Cameron Brannagan – 6
Got about the pitch well but maybe could have done more to get back for the two goals.
Still, made some good contributions at both ends with one memorable tackle in the box and some good play with Dembele in the opposing one.
READ MORE: Leyton Orient 2-0 Oxford United – Carabao Cup recap
READ MORE: Oxford United lose to Leyton Orient in Aaron Ramsey competitive debut
Aidomo Emakhu – 5.5
Started brightly but gave away some reckless fouls and was booked.
A couple of efforts were blocked but on the right he does not have as much space to shoot clearly.
Tyler Goodrham – 6
Picked up some good positions and turned on the ball well at times, but the Orient man-to-man marking kept him more and more quiet as the game went on.
🚨 Aaron Ramsey on Brian De Keersmaecker extended absence from the Oxford United squad:
🗣️ “Him and Stan were training back home and hopefully they can both join the group.
“They are two different cases where Brian hasn’t played any minutes. Stan has.
“Hopefully now next week…
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
Siriki Dembele – 6.5
Exciting footwork as usual and did well to win fouls.
Shuffled into space centrally and had a bit of a spark on the ball.
Mark Harris – 6
Battled well and took up better positions as the game went on.
Pressed hard but decision-making left a bit to be desired.
Aaron Ramsey says Stan Mills has trained on his own the last few days:
🗣️ “It was a medical decision for him to train over the last few days on his own to be able to re-join the group next week”#oufc 🟡
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
Substitutes:
Gatlin O’Donkor – 6
Tried to hold the ball up and link play and had one or two nice flicks.
Did not manage to trouble the goal.
Louie Sibley – 5
Aidan Elliott-Wheeler – 5
The youngster struggling off the bench, opting to come inside from a good chance in the box and losing it and could not quite make anything stick.
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