The play-off semi-final between Middlesbrough and Southampton has been overshadowed by allegations that Saints staff were spying on their opponents during training.
Middlesbrough and Southampton are battling for a place in the Championship play-off final (Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
Southampton could be exposed to further spying allegations amid claims that Middlesbrough have been “approached by other Championship clubs”, raising suspicions that they too were being monitored.
Saints’ play-off semi-final against Boro was overshadowed by allegations that an analyst was seen recording first-team training at Boro’s Rockcliffe Park training base. Southampton have since been accused of FA misconduct and tensions were evident in the first meeting between the sides on Saturday, which ended 0-0.
The charges will be heard by an independent disciplinary committee within the next two weeks, with the second leg of the playoff semi-finals set to be played on Tuesday night.
But it has emerged that Middlesbrough are not the only club to suspect they may have been spying on Southampton’s training sessions during their stunning comeback under manager Tonda Eckert.
read more: Middlesbrough manager accuses ‘cheating’, Southampton manager storms press conferenceread more: Southampton manager Tonda Eckert responds to Middlesbrough spying allegations
The Guardian reports that Middlesbrough have received approaches from rival clubs in the region, with some clubs sharing with the newspaper their “surprise” at how Southampton were able to juggle an “unexpected team shape” and set-piece routine during an incredible 19-game unbeaten run that helped them finish in the top six. However, the report argues that the tactical acumen of Eckert, who has received much praise for the excellent job he has done since becoming the Saints’ head coach, may be to blame.
Previous examples of spying include Leeds being fined £200,000 in 2019 after Marcelo Bielsa’s staff were spotted sitting in a tree monitoring Derby County during training before a Championship match. At the time, the EFL had no specific anti-espionage regulations. But things have since changed and Southampton could face sanctions ranging from fines to expulsion from the competition.
Tonda Eckert’s team have been accused of spying on Middlesbrough’s training sessions (Image: Rich Linley/Getty Images)
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Helberg accused Southampton of cheating in his post-match press conference at the weekend. “When I heard that, I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears,” he said. “When I heard it the second and third time I couldn’t believe it. But it was clear they (Southampton) were trying to (spy).
“I don’t blame the Southampton players or the supporters. I think they’re great, unbelievable. It’s nothing to do with them. Sometimes I feel sorry for them when they get this thrown at their faces.”
“But there are people who are willing to make decisions and try to cheat. That’s obvious.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of them live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
