‘Spygate’: Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of ‘cheating’

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.”