Southampton manager Tonda Eckert was forced to cut short a tetchy post-match press conference as the Saints “spygate” storm threatened to derail their bid to return to the Premier League.
The German head coach steadfastly refused to elaborate when repeatedly questioned about the background to an EFL misconduct charge after an analyst intern was discovered recording a Middlesbrough training session 48 hours before the stalemate here.
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 9, 2026"He hasn't answered it."
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his press conference after facing multiple questions about claims a member of staff spied on a Middlesbrough training session 😳 pic.twitter.com/tqXXmFozGi
It was a clandestine move that furious Boro head coach Kim Hellberg insisted gave their opponents a “massive advantage”.
In mitigation, Southampton claim the staff member acted as a “lone wolf”. Eckert was clearly uncomfortable when asked to elaborate, and the atmosphere took an awkward turn when the 33-year-old was asked whether he expected Tuesday’s second leg to go ahead in light of the potential punishments hanging over the south coast club.
Before Eckert’s press officer abruptly terminated the press conference with questions still unanswered, the Southampton manager said: “The club has made a statement and that’s all there is to say. I know these questions are coming but I’ve said more than enough.”
On Friday night, Southampton released a statement acknowledging the investigation, adding: “We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the league throughout this process.”
Asked if the controversy had impacted on his players in a compelling defensive display in which his side parked the bus to great effect before almost delivering a late sucker-punch, Eckert added: “I don’t think so – it speaks for the character of the team.”
After a frosty pre-match handshake between the rival managers, Hellberg said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when I heard what had happened. Someone made a decision to go and cheat. It’s a massive advantage.
“It’s just unfair. I’m angry. We have respect between each other and there’s a total failure in that. It’s weird to try to cheat in this type of game. You can’t do it.”
Southampton are likely to face a hefty fine. Asked if they should be thrown out of the play-offs, Hellberg added: “That’s not my decision. Who will get the fine? I think a lot of clubs would pay that fine to see the final two training sessions before a game like this. I’m not putting anything on the players or supporters of Southampton. I’m sorry for this being thrown in their face.
“Every team in the Championship should be angry. It’s crazy for anyone to risk doing this. It’s just wrong and it’s sad that the first 10 questions are about that, not on how well we performed, especially in the first half.”
The main take-away from this spying mission seemed to be if you are going to give up chances, make sure they go to Tommy Conway. The Scotland international should have had a first-half hat-trick, but his inability to find the net makes it likely that the alleged cheats will prosper in the return.
To a man, Southampton’s back line was magnificent. Each outfield player proved to be a beautiful exponent in the ugly side of the game to make them favourites to progress to domestic football’s richest match at Wembley later this month.
Eckert’s side were given an unwanted helping hand by Conway in a frustratingly familiar tale of wasted chances for the Teesside club.
Two of the forward’s howlers came from inside the six-yard box, first when taking an unnecessary touch to see his effort blocked by James Bree, then with a mis-hit shot smothered by Daniel Peretz in one of the few set-pieces where Southampton did not appear to know what was coming.
In between, Middlesbrough’s 13-goal second-top scorer sent a first-time effort against the foot of the Southampton keeper’s left-hand post from 18 yards at the culmination of a swift counter-attack.
Cyle Larin headed a Tom Fellows cross wide as the visitors finally showed more attacking ambition and, as Boro tired, Southampton looked the more likely to break the deadlock in the final 20 minutes.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed Ryan Manning’s late free-kick against the bar and substitute Samuel Edozie’s shot trickled agonisingly wide to leave the tie all-square heading to St Mary’s, where the prospect of a home win, like most things for them this week, is something Southampton can see coming.
FULL TIME: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Jander is fouled halfway inside the Boro half. Manning is standing over the free kick again. It will be the last chance of the match.
Unlike his previous delivery, this one is poor and that’s all folks. Stalemate at the Riverside.
87min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Nearly an immediate impact from Edozie. Southampton breakaway with Charles and he clips a pass to Edozie, who controls the ball and fires a shot just wide of the post.
85min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Brilliant delivery from Manning, right into the six-yard zone, Harwood-Bellis meets it and powers a header against the bar.
Southampton finishing stronger here.
That would have been a sucker-punch from Harwood-Bellis and the Saints. Boro hanging on the final whistle now.
81min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
As it stands, Boro will really rue not putting away their first-half chances. Southampton have been better since half-time and nullified the threat from the home side.
78min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Boro sub
OFF Whittaker, Strelec
ON Castledine, Sarmiento
76min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
This is rope-a-dope stuff from Southampton
Boro have punched themselves to a standstill, and if anyone is going to score in the final 20 minutes, it’s the visitors.
72min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
The cauldron that Boro fans created in the first half has been replaced by nerves and tension as Southampton take control of the match.
67min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Boro sub
OFF McGreee
ON Browne
Southampton sub:
OFF Downes, Fellows
ON Charles, Matsuki
62min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
First effort of the game from Scienza but his strike is well over the bar. But Southampton are now looking increasingly threatening. It would be a real smash and grab if they nick a winner.
59min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Downes now booked for a foul on Whittaker. And Larin’s poor afternoon comes to an end.
Southampton sub:
OFF Larin
ON Stewart
54min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Larin picks up the first yellow of the match after a foul on Morris.
50min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Already far better from Southampton in the first five minutes and Larin should have put them away.
Brilliant cross to the far post by Fellows and Larin heads it wide. He had to do better there.
47min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
That is probably the half of football that will cost Middlesbrough this play-off tie.
Tommy Conway should have had a hat-trick with the chances carved out by the hosts.
Not for the first time this season, it’s all industry and no end product for Kim Hellberg’s side. Southampton will be delighted to go in all square. Someone, please remind them there are two halves to a football pitch.
SECOND HALF: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
We’re back underway at the Riverside!
HALF TIME: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
No idea how this match is still goalless. Southampton will feel very relieved to be level and have the chance to address their issues.
45+1min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
One last corner to end the half. Whittaker whips it in and Ayling meets it on the run but heads over.
44min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Brynn in the Boro goal has had nothing to do in this half. Something has to change for Southampton in the second half.
39min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Southampton are really on the ropes and barely standing.Pinball in the box at a Boro corner and Conway doesn’t strike the ball cleanly and Peretz gets the ball away.
Southampton half clear out to Targett, who shoots from distance and Peretz parries the ball clear.
35min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Boro had to score. Southampton lose the ball, and it is 3 vs 3. McGree lays the ball off to Conway, who opts to take the shot first time and his strike hits the inside of the post and races clear.
32min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Last-ditch block by Bree to block Conway’s goal-bound shot. That was a goal saver for sure.
Tommy Conway has to score there. Why take a touch in the six-yard box when a first-time shot would have made it impossible for James Bree to block?
31min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Another Middlesbrough set-piece comes to nothing, Southampton dealing comfortably with them so far.
It’s almost as if they know what to expect. Who’d have thought?
The hosts really need to turn this near-incessant pressure into something tangible.
29min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Another effort from Boro and Peretz is at full stretch but the strike from Ayling curls wide.
27min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
For all of Boro’s pressure and good play, Peretz in the Southampton goal is yet to make a meaningful save. Boro need something for the momentum they have built.
24min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Seen nothing from Scienza and Larin so far and that is a credit to Boro.
20min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Very conservative from Southampton so far.
After seemingly throwing their ‘lone wolf’ analyst under one, they’ve certainly parked the bus here.
17min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Another chance for Boro. The on-rushing Brittain bursts down the line and cuts the ball back to McGree, who doesn’t strike the ball cleanly and the ball goes harmlessly wide.
13min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Really bright start by Boro. Southampton’s attackers have not been able to get into the game at this stage.
9min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Southampton taking this contrition thing a bit too far now. They look reluctant to even venture out of their own half. Might be something to do with Boro’s impressive start to the contest.
5min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
First chance of the match, an outswinging corner is whipped in by Boro, Strelec meets it cleanly but heads over. Should have done better!
1min: Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Link copied to clipboard
Every Southampton touch being booed by the Boro fans. Can the home supporters keep that up all game?
Tension on the touchline
Link copied to clipboard
The most cursory of handshakes offered by Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg to his opposite number Tonda Eckert. Not much eye-contact there!
Southampton are clearly the wrong-doers in the Spygate affair, but they’re attempting to foster a siege mentality to deal with it - having their pre-match team huddle right in front of their travelling support in the corner of the Riverside.
Here we go!
Link copied to clipboard
Pyrotechnics and flamethrowers greet the players as they walk out at the Riverside.
Great atmosphere!
‘Possibly?’
Link copied to clipboard
You won’t see a more withering response this weekend than Kim Hellberg’s reaction to a question about his side possibly being spied on by Southampton.
“Possibly?” he replied, looking straight at the interviewer.
“We have watched every game of theirs, done everything in the right way. Hoping to win it fairly.”
A reminder of the teams
Link copied to clipboard
Boro: Brynn, Brittain, Targett, Fry, McGree, Conway, Whittaker, Ayling, Strelec, Morris, Malanda.
Subs: Wildsmith, Gilbert, Browne, Silvera, Castledine, Hansen, Ibeh, Sarmiento, Hunt.
Saints: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows, Azaz, Scienza, Larin.
Subs: Long, Quarshie, Welington, Bragg, Charles, Matsuki, Archer, Stewart.
Middlesbrough fans welcome Southampton bus to the Riverside
Link copied to clipboard
I’ve seen footage of the Southampton team bus arriving at the Riverside and it is safe to say they are in for a hostile afternoon.
Plenty of expletives hurled at the players and coaching staff. While a cheeky Boro fan brought their own binoculars to the game.
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert reacts
Link copied to clipboard
“I believe the club has made a statement [about the spying]. That’s all I can say at the moment.
“I believe when you arrive in this moment of the season it’s not coaches who win games, it’s the players. It’s going to be the same today.
“We are focussed on ourselves and we have been all week. We know that we face a very good team today. It’s going to be a big challenge.
“We’ve been consistent with confidence and humility. We always play to win, that hasn’t changed. We will try to do the same today.”
‘We’ve done things the right way’
Link copied to clipboard
The Spygate banter has already started in the press room.
As the team sheets were being given out, one wag said to the Southampton media staff:: ‘I suppose you don’t really need to know what the Middlesbrough team is.’
While Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg signing-off his pre-match interview with Sky: “We’ve done things the right way.”
Exclusive: Southampton accept ‘spying’ charge
Link copied to clipboard
Southampton have accepted a misconduct charge after a member of their analyst team was caught spying on a Middlesbrough training session on Thursday.
Telegraph Sport can reveal that the Championship club have not tried to fight the accusation that they tried to gain an unfair advantage ahead of their play-off semi-final after the English Football League charged them late on Friday night.
The suggestion is they have claimed the analyst was acting on his own initiative and had not been instructed to travel to Rockcliffe Hall hotel, adjacent to Boro’s training ground, to spy on Kim Hellberg and his players.
The south coast club will hope the “lone wolf” defence satisfies the EFL this was not part of a coordinated attempt to cheat by learning team selection and tactics, as well as set-piece routines, before the game of this magnitude.
Whether that is enough to satisfy the EFL or pacify Middlesbrough – who were understandably incensed after a member of their media team caught the spy lurking near some bushes with professional surveillance equipment – remains to be seen.
EFL Championship play-offs
Link copied to clipboard
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s coverage of the EFL Championship play-off semi-final between Middlesbrough and Southampton.
Today’s match was already set to be a huge one but it has now taken even greater significance after a member of Southampton’s analyst team was caught spying on a Middlesbrough training session on Thursday.
The “spy” had professional surveillance equipment, complete with a microphone to record voices and technology to livestream the footage back to someone watching remotely. A brief physical confrontation ensued when a member of Middlesbrough’s media team challenged the man, who refused to identify himself and then ran off.
This morning, our reporter Luke Edwards revealed Southampton have accepted a misconduct charge but claimed the analyst was acting on his own initiative and had not been instructed to travel to Rockcliffe Hall hotel, adjacent to Boro’s training ground, to spy on Kim Hellberg and his players.
While we wait to hear what punishment Southampton receives, there is still a game to play at the Riverside. Speaking before the ‘spygate’ row blew up, Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert said he will not be underestimating the challenge posed by Hellberg’s men despite being on a 19-match league unbeaten run.
“They have been quite clear in the way they approach the game. I think it is quite clear to see where they have their strengths,” Eckert said at a press conference.
“If they catch a good day and they start to flow, I think they are a good team in certain aspects of the game. (But) we come from some good weeks and months. In the end it is about getting our strengths on the pitch like we have been doing for many, many weeks now.”
Southampton reached the play-offs with a fourth-placed finish in the Championship and Boro finished one spot below them on goal difference after both sides secured 80 points.
Stand by for the lineups and build-up to the match!