Middlesbrough player Luke Ayling has informed the Football Association that he will not pursue an allegation of a discriminatory remark made by Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis during Tuesday night’s Championship play-off semi-final .

The FA has now closed the matter, though the incident adds to a dramatic period for Southampton, who are grappling with a far more serious disciplinary issue concerning alleged spying.

It is understood that Ayling initially flagged to referee Andrew Madley that Harwood-Bellis had referenced his stammer. The official subsequently paused proceedings to speak with the coaches of both teams.

Following a review of Madley’s report, the Football Association contacted Middlesbrough on Wednesday, but was informed that Ayling did not wish to take the allegation further.

This development offers a minor reprieve for Southampton , who are currently facing charges from the English Football League (EFL) over claims they spied on a Middlesbrough training session last week.

The two…