Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has accused Southampton of attempting to cheat after an alleged spying incident overshadowed Saturday's goalless Championship play-off semi-final first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
Hellberg expressed his astonishment and anger, stating he could not believe the reports that Southampton had sent an individual to observe Middlesbrough's training session on Thursday. The club reported the matter to the EFL, which subsequently charged Southampton with breaching regulations.
The Boro boss highlighted the significant advantage gained from such surveillance, noting that his team used a formation in the first half that they had never deployed before, making it impossible for opponents to anticipate from previous matches. He described feeling anger, disappointment, and disrespect towards those responsible.
Hellberg drew parallels to the 2019 spygate scandal involving Leeds United, where Marcelo Bielsa was fined £200,000. He questioned whether a similar fine would be sufficient, suggesting many clubs would pay that amount for the advantage of seeing two training sessions before a crucial game.
When asked if Southampton should be expelled from the play-offs, Hellberg declined to call for such action, stating it was not his decision. He insisted the outrage should extend beyond Middlesbrough, arguing that every Championship team should be angry because no one knows who else may have been targeted.
