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Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of trying to cheat and said every club in the Championship “should be angry” as the ‘spygate’ controversy reached a new level of animosity.
The astonishing episode dominated the build-up to the play-off semi-final between the sides.
Following Saturday’s goalless draw in the first leg of that tie, Hellberg criticised what he believes to be Southampton’s underhand tactics.
The alleged incident occurred on Thursday at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground.
It has been claimed that a member of Southampton’s staff filmed a training session.
On Friday, the south-coast club were charged by the English Football League (EFL) with spying on their opponents.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when I heard it,” said Hellberg.
“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.”
Southampton have been charged by the EFL with breaching two regulations.
Hellberg, 38, said it would give Southampton a “massive advantage” if one of Middlesbrough’s sessions had been filmed.
“I’ve seen some talking about that it’s not a big advantage because you can see the games on film,” he said. “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.”
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Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert, meanwhile, was on the defensive.
He repeatedly refuted the suggestion that the issue has been an unwanted distraction for his players.
Fuelled 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.”
