Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has directly accused a member of Southampton’s backroom staff of cheating after the individual was caught filming Boro’s training session on Thursday, just two days before the Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
“Someone made a decision to go and try to cheat, that’s clear,” Hellberg said.
Kim Hellberg and Tonda Eckert on the touchline at the Riverside Stadium. (Andy Commins/PA Images via Getty Images)
Southampton were charged by the English Football League (EFL) on Friday with a breach of regulations, following a formal complaint from Middlesbrough. The south-coast club stated they are cooperating with the investigation.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert cut short his post-match press conference at the Riverside Stadium after refusing to answer detailed questions on the matter. He said: “The club made a statement yesterday evening, and that is all there is to say at the moment.” When pressed further, he replied, “I’ve said more than enough.”
Tonda Eckert (left) watched his side draw 0-0 on Teesside. (Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Shortly after, Hellberg sat in the same chair and described his reaction upon learning that an opposing staff member had used a phone with earphones to record Boro’s training session.
“It was a weird situation. I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when I heard it. I couldn’t believe it when they told me for the second or third time. But then it became quite clear that they—and with ‘they,’ I’m not blaming Southampton’s players or supporters; they are brilliant and had nothing to do with it. I sometimes feel sorry for them because they get this thrown in their face,” Hellberg explained.
“Someone made a decision to go and try to cheat, that’s clear.”
He added: “I’ve seen some people talk about it not being a big advantage because you can see games on film. But it is a massive advantage. Take that game today—we never used the shape we used in the first half. That was impossible to know from any game you watch. Set pieces, goal kicks… It’s unfair, and everyone would agree. We’ll see what happens.”
The first leg ended 0-0 at Teesside. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday night at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, where Eckert’s side are favorites to reach the Wembley final and the potential £200 million ($273 million) prize of Premier League promotion.
Middlesbrough are seeking a swift judgment from the EFL and may not leave the matter there.
“Under EFL regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges,” the EFL said in a statement. “However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and list a hearing at the earliest opportunity.”
Middlesbrough fans set off red flares as they awaited the team bus at the Riverside Stadium. (Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
In 2019, Leeds United were fined £200,000 after a member of Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom staff was found spying on their next league opponents, Derby County. The financial stakes in a Championship play-off are now significantly higher.
“Who will get the fine?” Hellberg asked. “Should they just pay the EFL? So they see everything we do—and that’s okay? I just think it’s weird that they try to cheat in this type of game. I know Bielsa paid £200,000, but that was not the law then. A lot of clubs will pay that amount to try to gain an advantage by seeing you in the two sessions before a game. If…”
