Kim Hellberg, the manager of Middlesbrough, has accused Southampton of trying to cheat, stating that every club in the Championship “should be angry” as the ‘spygate’ controversy escalates into open hostility. The remarkable incident has dominated the buildup to the play-off semi-final between the two teams.
Following a goalless draw in the first leg on Saturday, Hellberg criticised what he believes were Southampton’s underhand tactics. The alleged incident took place on Thursday at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground, where it is claimed a member of Southampton’s staff filmed a training session.
On Friday, the English Football League (EFL) charged the south-coast club with spying on their opponents. “I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when I heard it,” Hellberg said. “I couldn’t believe it when they told me for the second time, or the third. But it was quite clear that they [Southampton] tried [to spy].”
“I’m not putting anything on the players or supporters of Southampton. I think they are brilliant, unbelievable. They have nothing to do with it and I sometimes feel sorry for them because they get thrown this in the face. But there’s someone who makes decisions to go and try to cheat. That’s clear.”
Hellberg, 38, argued that if one of Middlesbrough’s sessions had been filmed, it would give Southampton a “massive advantage.” “I’ve seen some talking about that it’s not a big advantage because you can see the games on film. But it’s a massive advantage. You don’t do this. You don’t plan to do this. I think every team in the Championship should be angry. It’s wrong. Just wrong.”
Southampton have been charged by the EFL with breaching two regulations. Meanwhile, Saints head coach Tonda Eckert was on the defensive, repeatedly refuting suggestions that the issue has been an unwanted distraction for his players.
Fueled by the prize on offer and an apparent sense of injustice, Middlesbrough launched 17 shots on the Saints goal in the first half of Saturday’s game but could not find a breakthrough. The second leg takes place at St Mary’s on Tuesday, when the alleged spying is again likely to be on everyone’s mind.
“The club has made a statement yesterday evening,” said Eckert. “That is all there is to say about it. I know these questions are coming, but we shouldn’t get distracted from the importance of these two big games. The big games belong to the players and I think they deserve that the focus is on them.”
