It breaks my heart': emotional Hellberg on spying row after loss at Southampton

"Southampton's head coach, Tonda Eckert, insisted the club are taking allegations of cheating very seriously after they advanced to the Championship playoff final against Hull at Middlesbrough's expense amid the backdrop of so-called spygate. Shea Charles's 116th-minute cross-shot sealed victory in extra time to earn a place in the Wembley showpiece on 23 May, but Southampton face the prospect of punishment from an independent disciplinary commission after being charged with breaching two counts of the English Football League's regulations."

"A visibly emotional Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of disgraceful behaviour after Middlesbrough's defeat at St Mary's as tensions escalated. The head coach reiterated that Boro believe a financial punishment would be inadequate. At one point, after Luke Ayling reported a discriminatory comment made by Southampton's captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Eckert appeared to agitate towards Hellberg on the touchline, only to be separated by the fourth official, Tom Nield, though afterwards Hellberg played down the incident between the head coaches."

"Eckert conceded the matter overshadowed the tie. It's not easy for me to not comment, there's just nothing I can say at the moment because it's an ongoing investigation, Eckert said. We are taking the matter very seriously. I will say something but I just cannot say it now. When the investigation is closed I will say something. Pressed why he hasn't elaborated on the matter, the 33-year-old German said: Because it's an ongoing investigation. It's not easy for me."

"Hellberg pulled up a reporter when they used the word alleged in their questioning about the incident that occurred at Boro's Rockliffe Park base. Boro believe they caught an analyst hiding recording and logging footage at the beginning of their training session. Hellberg confirmed he had not spoken to Eckert directly about the incident. I have nothing to say to him what should I say to him? If we didn't catch that man [the alleged an"

Southampton reached the Championship playoff final against Hull after a late extra-time goal at Middlesbrough’s expense. The win came amid allegations of cheating commonly referred to as spygate. Southampton face potential punishment after being charged with breaching two English Football League regulations. Kim Hellberg, visibly emotional after Middlesbrough’s defeat, accused Southampton of disgraceful behaviour and said Boro believe financial penalties would be inadequate. Tensions escalated during the match when a reported discriminatory comment was raised and Eckert appeared agitated on the touchline, though officials separated them and Hellberg later played down the incident. Eckert declined to comment further because an investigation is ongoing. Middlesbrough believe an analyst was caught hiding recording and logging footage at the start of training at their Rockliffe Park base.

Read at www.theguardian.com