Middlesbrough manager Kim Helberg has accused Southampton of wrongdoing after Saints manager Tonda Eckert walked out of a tense post-match press conference after refusing to answer questions about ‘Spygate’.
Southampton have been charged with breaching EFL regulations after a member of their staff was suspected of watching Middlesbrough practice ahead of Saturday’s 0-0 Championship play-off match.
Eckert was asked multiple questions about the situation, but declined to respond beyond the club’s statement Friday night.
Eckert also denied that it was a cold handshake with Helberg before the game, adding: “I’ve said more than enough. The questions keep coming, but the club released a statement yesterday evening. That’s all there is to say.”
A club spokesperson intervened and said Eckert would not answer any further questions other than regarding Tuesday’s second leg. When the next question about “Spygate” was asked, they walked out together as reporters present insisted that Eckert was not answering the question.
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Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg match Middlesbrough vs Southampton highlights
Helberg: Someone decided to cheat.
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Middlesbrough manager Kim Helberg accuses Southampton of ‘misconduct’ over ‘Spygate’
After the stalemate, Boro manager Helberg was not entirely off base in his assessment of the incident.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. I couldn’t believe it the second and third time I heard it,” the Swede said.
“I don’t mean them and the Southampton players or fans, they’re great and I don’t think they had anything to do with it, but it’s clear that someone decided to cheat.
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Middlesbrough fans gave a warm welcome to the players as they arrived at the Riverside Stadium ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton.
“We tried to focus on the session as much as possible. It was an important game. Some people say that’s not a big advantage, but it is. Take today as an example. We’ve never used that shape in the first half before and it was impossible to know. It’s just unfair and I think everyone in this room would agree.”
“I’m angry but we have to respect each other that they completely failed. I think it’s a shame because it’s an important game. They tried to gain an advantage in an unfair way.
“Who’s going to get the fine? Should it be paid to the EFL? Okay. So they’re watching everything we do and… I don’t know what will happen, but I think it’s strange that they would try to cheat in a match like this. It wasn’t the law, but[Marcelo]Bielsa paid £200,000, right? I think a lot of clubs would pay that amount to get an advantage two days before the game.”
“We don’t do this and we won’t do this. Every team in the Championship should be angry. It’s wrong, it’s wrong!”
Asked if Southampton had done something similar to other clubs this season, Helberg added: “I’m thinking about it now… and we found them in the bush.”
Southampton declined to comment on Helberg’s comments.
