Middlesbrough supporters voiced their frustration over the spying scandal prior to the semi-final first leg. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Getty Images
The controversy surrounding the spying allegations escalated on Saturday when Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg branded Southampton “cheats” after the goalless draw in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg. Hellberg insisted his team had been treated unfairly, stating, “They saw everything. It’s cheating.”
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his post-match press conference at Middlesbrough after repeatedly dodging questions about claims that one of his analysts had spied on Hellberg’s training session last Thursday. Shortly after, Hellberg declared that his side had been victims of unfair tactics ahead of the crucial tie.
The English Football League has already charged Southampton with misconduct over the incident. A clearly uncomfortable and visibly unhappy Eckert now faces not only Tuesday’s second leg against Middlesbrough but also a disciplinary hearing.
The first leg at the Riverside ended 0-0, with Boro dominating but unable to break through. The EFL charged Southampton with misconduct less than 24 hours before the match, and Hellberg made no secret of his anger, leaving Eckert squirming under questioning.
In League One, Stockport edged Stevenage 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp goal from Ben Osborn, giving them a narrow lead ahead of the return leg at Edgeley Park. Manager Dave Challinor warned his team not to relax, saying, “We’ve given ourselves a small advantage but we’ve got to make the most of it. We need to go and win the game.” Stevenage boss Alex Revell remained optimistic despite the late setback, stating, “We could have dealt with the initial ball better, but it’s a mix-up that can happen in football. We still need to go up there and win.”
Bolton also secured a 1-0 first-leg win over Bradford, with Amario Cozier-Duberry curling in a trademark left-footed strike after 60 minutes. The Brighton loanee nearly doubled the lead moments later but hit the post. Bradford’s best chances fell to former Bolton midfielder Antoni Sarcevic, who saw a first-half shot blocked and then fired wide after the restart.