Boro boss accuses Saints over 'spygate' allegations

Breaking news from the world of sport: Boro boss accuses Saints over 'spygate' allegationsImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Both Kim Hellberg (left) and Tonda Eckert have been in their posts since November ByAdam LaniganBBC Sport England at Riverside StadiumPublished34 minutes agoMiddlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of trying to cheat and said every club in the Championship "should be angry" as the 'spygate' controversy reached a new level of animosity. The astonishing episode dominated the build-up to the play-off semi-final between the sides. Following Saturday's goalless draw in the first leg of that tie, Hellberg criticised what he believes to be Southampton's underhand tactics.

The alleged incident occurred on Thursday at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training ground. It has been claimed that a member of Southampton's staff filmed a training session. On Friday, the south-coast club were charged by the English Football League (EFL) with spying on their opponents.

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"I couldn't believe my eyes or ears when I heard it," said Hellberg. "I couldn't believe it when they told me for the second time, or the third. But it was quite clear that they tried .

"I'm not putting anything on the players or supporters of Southampton. I think they are brilliant, unbelievable. They have nothing to do with it and I sometimes feel sorry for them because they get thrown this in the face.

"But there's someone who makes decisions to go and try to cheat. "Saints players unaffected by spying claims - Jander Published2 hours agoBoro held by Saints after 'spygate' play-off controversy Saints charged by EFL with spying on Middlesbrough Published19 hours agoSouthampton have been charged by the EFL with breaching two regulations. Hellberg, 38, said it would give Southampton a "massive advantage" if one of Middlesbrough's sessions had been filmed.

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"I've seen some talking about that it's not a big advantage because you can see the games on film," he said. "But it's a massive advantage. You don't plan to do this.

"I think every team in the Championship should be angry. " Figure caption, 'There could be big repercussions for Southampton'Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert, meanwhile, was on the defensive. He repeatedly refuted the suggestion that the issue has been an unwanted distraction for his players.

Fuelled by the prize on offer and an apparent sense of injustice, Middlesbrough launched 17 shots on the Saints goal in the first half of Saturday's game but could not find a breakthrough. The second leg takes place at St Mary's on Tuesday, when the alleged spying is again likely to be on everyone's mind. "The club has made a statement yesterday evening," said Eckert.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.