Hellberg deviates from the ‘spy’ queue for the Boro-Southampton clash

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg refused to comment further on the ‘spygate’ row that has overshadowed his team’s Championship play-off semi-final against Southampton as he prepared his men for Tuesday’s second leg.

Southampton are said to have spied a training session in Middlesbrough ahead of Saturday’s first leg at the Riverside Stadium, which ended 0-0.

The English Football League has sued Southampton after receiving a complaint from Middlesbrough “regarding alleged unauthorized filming on private property”.

After the first stage, Hellberg accused his opponents of cheating as the temperature rose.

But he deflected questions about the issue when he spoke to reporters on Monday.

“I think I answered those questions as honestly as I could with everyone on Saturday,” he said.

«I think I have to, and we have to do that, try to talk about the match. That’s the most important thing now.»

Hellberg revealed he had not spoken to Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson about the situation.

Saturday’s post-match press conferences were dominated by talk of the allegations.

Saints boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his briefing after sidestepping questions on the subject, while Hellberg said he could not believe Southampton’s brazen attempt to «cheat».

The winners of Tuesday’s semi-final at St Mary’s will play either Millwall or Hull for a place in next season’s Premier League.

Published on May 11, 2026