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

Middlesbrough boss Kim Helberg has accused Southampton of trying to cheat and says every club in the Championship “should be furious” as the ‘Spygate’ controversy reaches a new level of hostility.

The surprise episode dominated the build-up to the play-off semi-final between the teams.

After Saturday’s goalless draw in the first leg of that tie, Hellberg criticized what he saw as Southampton’s secret tactics.

The alleged incident took place at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground on Thursday.

It has been claimed that a member of Southampton’s staff filmed a training session.

Friday was the south-coast club Charged by the English Football League (EFL). along with spying on their opponents.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when I heard it,” Helberg said.

“When they told me the second or third time I couldn’t believe it. But it was pretty clear that they (Southampton) tried (to spy).

“I’m not putting anything on the Southampton players or the supporters. I think they’re brilliant, unbelievable. They had nothing to do with it and I feel sorry for them sometimes because they put it in their mouths.

“But there are those who decide and try to cheat. That’s clear.”