Middlesbrough takes an unusual step after spotting a Southampton spy
Middlesbrough have taken an unusual step after losing 2-1 in the play-off semi-final second leg against Southampton. This came after claims that Southampton spied on Boro before the first leg last week.
The spying accusations came up just before the first game at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. The English Football League has charged Southampton with spying on Middlesbrough.
According to the Mail, the person accused of spying is Southampton intern William Salt. He reportedly watched Boro secretly 72 hours before the first match. Salt is believed to be part of Tonda Eckhert’s first-team operations and is highly regarded by the German coach.
Southampton won 2-1 in extra time during Tuesday’s second leg at St Mary’s, thanks to a late goal from Shea Charles. This puts them through to the Wembley final against Hull City, who beat Millwall in the other semi-final.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said after the game, “If we hadn’t found out about the man they sent after a five-hour drive, I’d have to say well done to Southampton tactically, and I’d feel like I’d let everyone down.”
He added, “When you find out someone’s filming your sessions secretly, hoping not to get caught, it really breaks my heart. I believe in fair play.”
The final is set for May 23, but it’s unclear if Southampton will play. Middlesbrough’s owner, Steve Gibson, has hired sports lawyer Nick De Marco and expects the club to face punishment.
Since this is a new issue, it’s not clear what the punishment might be, but fans and experts have talked about possible points deductions or fines. Middlesbrough seem to think there might still be a chance to play in the final. The Telegraph reported that Boro players will keep training in case Southampton are disqualified.
After Tuesday’s match, the Boro players took two days off but will train again on Friday just in case.
It’s also important to remember Southampton might be cleared of any wrongdoing and the charge could be dropped.
After the game, Hellberg shared his feelings: “I’ve worked as a coach for 15 years, hoping to reach the Premier League. That’s been my dream.”
He said, “Some clubs have more money or bigger squads than us. As a coach, what you can control is the tactical side — that’s how you can win games. That’s what makes football great, especially here in England, the home of football. That’s why I wanted to be here.”
He continued, “When you put in all your time, even time away from family, to study the opponent, only to find out they sent someone secretly to film us, it’s heartbreaking.”
Hellberg added, “I don’t care about different rules in other countries — this is England, where football means so much. It feels wrong, and it makes me very sad.”
When asked if he thinks Eckhert knew about the spying, Hellberg replied, “I can’t answer that. No comment.”